Detail 01
Solid steel, not glass
Steel is dense and hard, so it presses the strings cleanly with less hand pressure and barely wears down.
Product detailSKU #1273887998478
Ernie BallSteel Bar Heavy
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
A heavy solid steel slide bar for lap steel and slide guitar. For players who want more mass and grip than a light glass slide.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Lap steel and resonator players wanting a heavier bar
- Anyone whose light slide rattles or chatters on the strings
- Keeping a spare bar in the gig bag
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Players with small hands or limited grip strength
- Anyone who wants a slide worn on a finger
- Low-action electrics where the strings sit close to the frets
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
Heavy weight
Extra mass keeps the bar seated on the strings and cuts rattle, but it tires the hand over a long set.
Detail 03
Bar shape, not a tube slide
You hold it in the palm rather than wear it, so you cannot fret normal chords mid-song.
Detail 04
Bare metal against strings
Metal-on-metal wears strings faster than glass and needs a smooth, nick-free surface to stay quiet.
Detail 05
$16.99
Cheap enough to keep two — one in the case, one at home — instead of hunting for a lost bar.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Raise your action if the bar buzzes against the frets
- 02Steel dents wood — do not drop it on the top
- 03Wipe it dry after playing; steel will spot and rust
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Can I use this on a regular electric guitar?
Yes, played across the strings slide-style. On a standard low-action setup you will likely need to raise the strings so the bar does not hit the frets.
02Can I wear it on my finger like a slide?
No. It is a solid bar held in the palm, not a hollow tube. If you want to switch between fretting and slide mid-song, get a ring-style slide instead.
03Will it wear out my strings?
Faster than glass, yes. Steel on steel scrapes the winding. Keeping the bar clean and free of nicks slows that down and keeps the tone from getting scratchy.
04Why choose heavy over a lighter bar?
More mass sits on the strings under its own weight, so notes come out fuller and there is less rattle. The cost is hand fatigue during long playing.
