The British Steelies Society

Not sure where to ask this question so here it is! As a returning player I have noticed I am having issue's gripping the bar, mainly lifting it on/off, I know its age related. I am using a John Pearse 235g bar. I've only recently been aware of ceramic bars! I know where have I been!! that's Cornwall for you. So question is are they any lighter without losing tone/sustain. Any other suggestions. Cheers Tony

Get in touch with Ben Burrow.He makes high quality bars at vey reasonable prices. He is an excellent machinist and I am sure He would be able to supply a bar which would have the core hollowed out to give You the desired weight.
You will get Ben on F/B
Good luck
Billy

Thanks Billy, will have a look. Cheers

Tony, I'd second Billy's recommendation, and add that you might also check out Basil Henriques' bars (polymer?), they're heavily used by the good and the great of the forum, and by the septics on the other side of the pond.

Yes, that's probably what I'm getting mixed up with, are they lighter do you know?

OK Danny, just checking out Basil's bars. Being a small person, small hands, I wonder if there's a negative side to reducing my bar size an opting for one if his 3/4" x 3" bars, anyone using a 3/4" on pedal steel?

Tony, I've been in the exact situation, and with small hands, too. I struggled to lift my Pearse Big Daddy from the strings and moving to one of Basil's bars, 7/8 width, 3 1/4 long, was a revelation, and much easier to handle. They are very slick and it took me a bit to get used to the faster action. And since using it I found I can handle the bigger bar better! So, it's the heavy bar for slow pieces and The Basil for the nippier bits.
Probably kidding myself, but there you go.

Yes that sounds the way to go. Cheers mate. That's 2 Xmas pressies needed now, Hilton and polymer bar. Now to convince the banker!

Tony, I've got a "wardrobe" of different bars including a couple of Ben's and several of Basil's. My Ben's bars are shorter and used for 6 & 7 string planks. But I can use Basil's bars (especially the 3-3/8in x 7/8in) on anything from 6st. lap to D-11 pedal steel. They're not cheap but (like Ben's I guess?) can be made to you preferred dimensions and weight. I don't use my big old lump of a BJS any more, it didn't help the arthritis at all! I go along with Danny's comments on the weight although I'm quite happy with polymer for everything.
The polymer material is slick on the strings but harder to drop from your fingers and lighter for the same effect as a heavy steel bar. You may find 3/4in a bit narrow to hold, so check it out first?
Cheers, Tony.

Thanks Tony, that's good first hand info. Much appreciated. So I'm probably looking at 7/8" x 3.3/8". My real problem is my thumbs have lost there flexibility their don't bend very far and have limited strength, we are so lucky to have this forum! Thank you all.