The British Steelies Society

Anyone have a sitar bar lying around they don't want any more?

Hi there,

You can buy them quite cheaply here.
http://www.thomann.de/gb/dunlop_stainle ... ar_bar.htm

I've got one and it's great - can be used as your main bar too.

Thanks David, that is cheap! Too late for me, I shoulda googled

Help! Johnathan, what's the diffference between a Sitar bar and a standard steel bar. They look the same to me given the weight and size consideration. Baz.

Baz - it has a flat surface milled along the length of the bar about 10 - 12mm wide. If you put that flat part on the strings they "zing" like a sitar. The bar can also be used as normal by turning it round so the flat is up. Try playing with any piece of flat metal and you'll get the effect.
If you use something light (maybe a bit of aluminium square bar, even hard plastic or wood) with a narrower flat surface (8mm ish) you can get a banjo effect - wouldn't that be useful

Hi Tony, for the banjo affect I allway's use the back of a plastic combe, work's well, and it sharpens up your speed picking.

Tony, thanks for that, well explained. I've got some flat bars but never tried them on Pedal steel. Ya live an learn eh! Slimbo, more good stuff, thanks for that too. I'm already sawing up an old broom handle I wonder what that will sound like ps. anyone fancy a real sitar I've got one stored away somewhere just needs a bit of bodywork, one careless owner

Baz - if you get a taker for the sitar, I've got a tutor book to go with it (don't ask; I just have one that's all )

WoW!! Duly noted Tony. I love this Forum.