Detail 01
Steel construction
Steel is dense and hard, so it drives the string harder than glass or brass. Brighter attack, longer sustain.
Product detailSKU #1273887998336
Ernie BallSteel Bar Medium
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
A medium-weight steel tone bar for lap-style slide playing. For players working on lap steel, Dobro, or resonator technique on a budget.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Lap steel or resonator players learning slide technique
- Players who want more sustain than a glass slide
- Backup bar to keep in a gig bag
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Standard guitar players wanting a finger-worn slide
- Players who prefer glass for a softer, warmer attack
- Anyone with a very light touch who finds steel bars unwieldy
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
Bar shape, not a tube slide
Held in the palm, not worn on a finger. Meant for lap-position playing where the guitar faces up.
Detail 03
Medium size
Middle ground on weight and length. Covers most of a six-string neck without being tiring to hold.
Detail 04
Solid, unfinished metal
No coating to wear off. It will pick up scratches and fingerprints; neither affects how it sounds.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01A bar is not a finger slide — you cannot fret normally while holding it
- 02Lap-style playing usually needs a raised nut or high action
- 03Nothing else is included: no case, no strings, no setup hardware
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?
Only if you set the guitar up for slide. Standard low action means the bar will hit the frets and buzz. Most players raise the action or add a nut extender first.
02What's the difference between a steel bar and a glass slide?
Steel is harder and denser, so you get a brighter, louder attack and more sustain. Glass is smoother and warmer. Steel also has less string noise once your touch is clean.
03Do I need a special tuning?
Not required, but lap-style players almost always use an open tuning so a straight bar across the strings gives a full chord.
04Is medium the right size for me?
Medium suits most players and most six-string necks. Go heavier if you want more sustain and drive; lighter if your hand tires or you play long sets.
