[OaklandA]

Recently picked up two new slides and thought I'd share the experience.

I have been playing slide for a while, usually in open G, and have been using a Dunlop short heavy walled glass slide. I like the size of the shorter slide and the heavier walled glass gives a nice warm tone. I use mine on the pinky finger.

Recently I've been doing more slide in standard and in drop-D (learning anyway), and decided to give metal slides a try again.

RockSlide - This is a chrome plated brass slide with a few neat features. It actually is a tad shorter than the short slide I have been using. It has a notch cut out of the end closest to your hand for comfort, and is tapered on the inside to thicken towards the end. Not exceptionally thick, but not thin either. Also has a flat spot on the outside for your other finger to rest on.
This is the most comfortable slide I've ever put on...ever. Right off the bat like an old pair of shoes. As a result, gives a great deal of control which I like right now. The tone is real nice too. Clear, bell like...to use a worn out cliche...but very nice.
I think anyone might like one of these, but especially someone starting out on slide might really appreciate the comfort and control aspect.

Big Heart Robert Johnson Bronze - Very pretty right off. Polished bronze with "ROBERT JOHNSON" stamped on the side. Comes in a little leather pouch.
This thing is a chunk. Standard length, thick walls and all bronze. Very heavy. Not used to a heavier slide I had problems with this one at first. But after a while and using a Tele with higher action I got into a groove. Beautiful tone. Tried it on an acoustic and sounded amazing. Seemed to amplify the guitar if that's even possible.
For an experienced player that likes a heavy slide, I'd wholeheartedly recommend this one. A player new to slide might be frustrated with this one and ground out a lot....only for the most patient learner in that case.
Being bronze it will leave some stains on your finger after playing, too.

So there you are. If you are looking for new slides, hope this was informative. I'm using the RockSlide more...the RJ on my acoustic for now.

If anyone has tried a Big Heart BoneyFinger Desert Clay porcelain slide, I'd love to hear about it. I've never tried porcelain.

Links:

http://www.therockslide.com/

http://www.bigheartslide.com/legacy.html

[Frankenstrat2]

Hi Oakland
I've used the Rockslide for a long time. I really like the crescent cut. Its a comfortable slide with good weight. The sizes seem to fit really well too. I recently got one of their gold plated bras models and I like that one very much also- the brass ones tend to dull down after a while, and drag on the strings if you dont keep them polished.
Luther from Big Heart Slide Company is a terrific person and a really talented musician also. He makes some wonderful ceramic slides. His Robert Johnson slide is a new model, very heavy solid brass, and he has one other even heavier, that he calles the Bronze Bomber. Unfortunately, that one was just a tad too tight for my pinky.
Don' t forget to check out the blown glass slides from Diamond slides in the UK. Ian is working on some new designs that are sure to be a big hit.
Barry

[Diamond]

Thanks for the mention Barry I wholeheartedly endorse your comments about 'Big Heart' Luther - a lovely guy (...and i'm honored to say, a good friend...) excellent musician, and also - what a painter! Some of his paintings of our true blues heroes are awesome!

Regarding Big Heart's ceramic slides - Luther hand-paints the original designs himself. I've tried 'em out myself & if you're in the market for a ceramic slide - these are always at the top of my list.


Slide On!

Ian.

www.diamondbottlenecks.com

[Frankenstrat2]

Amazing how small the world has become isn't it?

Luther is a remarkable artist as well. Such a talented guy!