Tom Bradshaw | Pedal Steel Guitar Products | SGHOF | PSGP | Restorations | Strings | Bars

Products: Tone Bars

Basic Truths: It is erroneous to refer to a tone bar as an 8-string bar, or a 10-string bar, or a 12-string bar. A tone bar should be selected to fit the size of your hand and in a weight that is right for your style of playing. Any other stated reason is invalid and typically a marketing ploy.

My Two Cents: There are chrome-plated bars, stainless steel bars, cryogenic-manufactured bars and plastic bars. Some say a chrome bar provides a better sound. Frankly, I can't tell the difference. I do know that chrome will eventually wear off. Chrome can be chipped off. Dropping any bar on a hard surface will dent it (and can shatter a plastic bar). If a chrome bar is dented, you cannot smooth it out without destroying the chrome. The cost of machining a dented bar is usually more than the cost of replacing it. I sell only stainless steel bars.

Dunlop Tone Bar
Model 920 (7.5 oz., 7/8" diameter, 3 1/4" long)
Price: $26.00 including shipping
This is the most popular bar I sell.
Dunlop Heavy Bar
Model 921 (11.5 oz., 1" diameter, 3 3/4" long)
Price: $26.00 including shipping
This is a good bar for practicing. It strengthens your hand muscles and after using it for awhile, it makes the Model 920 bar feel like a feather.
Dunlop "Jerry Byrd"
Model 918 (5.5 oz., 3/4" diameter, 2 7/8" long)
Price: $18.00 including shipping
Jerry Byrd asked the Dunlop Company to provide him with this size of bar. They then offered this bar to everyone else. I know Jerry's hands were big enough to hold a much larger bar. He seemed to align himself with the reasoning in the first paragraph above.
Dunlop Small Bar
Model: 919 (4.5 oz., 3/4" diameter, 2 3/4" long)
Price: $18.00 including shipping
This might be a tone bar for a child or someone with very small hands. But then, I giant might conclude that it is simply a perfect fit.

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