Tone Bars for short fingers

[Nicole Zym]

Hi All,
I'm taking the Paul Franklin intro course (modules) and it was advised to start with a 7/8 inch diameter tone bar in the Stevens/ergonomic shape. I have the dunlop 919 which is pretty short ( 2 and 3/4 inch long) and 3/4 diameter, and I haven't been able to find anything shorter. For the bar to fit my hand as he describes, it would have to be about 2- 2.5 inches long max. So far I've been making do with my 919 but I wonder if this is limiting my ability for control.

Any thoughts on this or alternative suggestions? Thanks in advance.

[Donny Hinson]

In my opinion, it should be okay if the bar is longer than your fingers, so a 2 3/4" bar should work for you. It's usually just a matter of practice, and it should not limit your playing once you adapt to it.

[Bobby D. Jones]

Are you just gripping the bar in your fingers? Like holding a pencil or other small object.
Just a suggestion.
If you place the back end of the bar in the pocket, Formed where thumb, Index finger and middle finger, Where they attach to your palm. This gives control of the back of the bar. Then control front of bar with thumb, Middle finger. The index finger is used for downward pressure, (May want to place slightly on the right side for better bar control.)

With the back of bar in pocket, The bar should reach the first joint in finger. Bend first joint slightly over end of bar to help hold it back in the pocket.
If the bar is to long to bend first joint at end of bar, You may need a shorter bar.
Good Luck in finding a perfect fit bar, Happy Steelin.

[Dennis Belt]

Nicole, Ben makes bars whatever size and length you want. He’s in The UK, but prices are reasonable.

ben.r.burrow@gmail.com

Good luck!
.