Hi everyone,
I have recently had some bespoke slides and Hawaiian steels (tone bars) made for me by Ben Burrow in Ebbw Vale, Wales. I really didn't need any slides or steels right now, but I heard about his work and was interested to see it for myself. I asked Ben to make two slides and two steels to my specifications. I ordered two of each because if something like this is good I like to keep a spare in case one goes missing.
I am absolutely thrilled with Ben's workmanship and with his excellent service and customer care. We communicated by email and by phone to make sure all the specifications were correct and before sending me them, Ben sent me photos so I could see exactly what he had made and if I wanted any adjustments done to them before he sent them to me.
The tone of these is excellent, probably the nicest pure steel that I have used. They have a sweet tone, brighter than German silver and they are so highly polished that there is virtually no string noise at all. I love my German silver DaddySlides, but they need polishing to keep them pristine, which is all fine until you're busy and then it becomes a problem. I have already recorded a track for my new album with one of Ben's steels (tone bars) and I am sure I will record with one of the slides next week.
This is a photo I took of the slides and steels Ben has made for me.
In addition to the amazing quality of his work, Ben's prices are realistic and affordable.
I can't recommend Ben's work highly enough.
Here is a link to Ben Burrow's website -
bensbarsandslides.weebly.comI should add that this post is NOT an advert. I paid full price for the slides and steels and Ben does not know I am posting this.
Craftspeople like Ben deserve to be supported.
Shine On
Michael
View AttachmentPS: I know that people call them tone bars these days, but for most of the past hundred years they have been called "steels" and when they are bullet shaped "Hawaiian Steels", so I'm just being awkward and sticking to what I believe is the real name of this tool :-)