The British Steelies Society

Hi everyone,
First post on here, and just starting out, learning the pedal steel guitar,

I have the guitar now and it came with a tone bar, ? Is that the correct name!
I’m finding it very heavy to use, it’s 10.1 ounces, 3: 3/4” x 1 : 5/8”

Is this normal, or have I got a large one? I must admit I smiled when I typed that!

Any advice would be most welcome

Regards
Peter

Peter,
Your tone bar is an unusual diameter,The majority of players probably use either 7/8" or 15/16" or one inch diameter.
The length would indicate a 12 string bar but many 10 string players like a 12 string bar (I do) a bar of 3,1/4" is usually known as a 10 string bar.
The best bar on the market in My,and many others opinion is the one being manufactured by forumite Basil Heriques
Hope this helps.

Thanks for reply, I checked the measurements again, it’s actually 7/8”
Had a quick look on google, do you know where a suppliers is?
Also, this seems very heavy to use, is that normal for a beginner? 10.1 ounces?
Regards
Peter

Hi Peter, Welcome to the forum, Had I known that you needed a bar I would have put one in the parcel with the volume pedal that you should receive today or tomorrow, since the advent of Basil's non metal bars there are quite a few redundant steel bars floating around... I have a small selection here and I am sure there will be something that suits you. As an entry level student and knowing the equipment you are using, you really don't need to be spending 100 quid plus on a bar at this stage, just get one that is comfortable for you to work with. If you make the progress that you hope for then go for it! that is my advice
Tell us about the gear you are using, when we spoke you said you played a lot of different instruments? Have you signed up with Uncle Roy for the news mag.?