Professional 8-Piece Guitar Finger and Thumb Pick Set
Master the Slide: A Comprehensive Review of the Mr.Power Guitar Tone Bar Kit
Whether you are chasing the mournful wail of a Delta blues lick, the shimmering swells of a Hawaiian breeze, or the gritty resonance of a Dobro in a bluegrass jam, one thing is certain: your gear dictates your voice.
If you’ve ever tried to play lap steel or Dobro with a standard "tube" slide on your finger, you know the frustration. It lacks the weight, the sustain, and the ergonomic control needed for true precision. Enter the Mr.Power Guitar Slide Metal Steel Tone Bar Kit. At just $19.99, it promises a professional-grade experience for a fraction of the cost of boutique steel bars.
But does it deliver that buttery smooth sustain, or is it just another piece of chrome-plated hardware? Let’s dive deep into the specs, the feel, and the performance of this all-in-one slide kit.
The Core of the Kit: The Mr.Power Tone Bar
When it comes to lap steel and Hawaiian guitar, the "slide" isn't a tube—it’s a Tone Bar. The Mr.Power model is designed specifically for instruments played horizontally on the lap or a stand.
1. Weight and Dimensions
The first thing you notice when picking up this bar is the heft. At 4.2 oz (approx. 119g) and 3 inches in length, it strikes a perfect balance.
Why weight matters: In slide playing, you don't want to press down on the strings (which causes them to go out of tune or hit the frets). You want the weight of the bar to do the work. This bar is heavy enough to provide excellent sustain and a clear, fundamental note without tiring out your hand during a long set.
2. Ergonomic "Dual Stick" Design
The bar features a "nose" or a rounded end and a cutaway groove for your fingers. This is often referred to as a "Stevens" style bar. This design allows you to:
Apply even pressure across all six strings.
Execute "pull-offs" and "hammer-ons" more effectively.
Maintain a firm grip even if your hands get a bit sweaty under stage lights.
Beyond the Bar: The Ultimate Starter Bundle
What sets this Mr.Power package apart from buying a standalone Dunlop or Shubb bar is the inclusion of the accessories. For $19.99, you aren't just getting the steel; you're getting a full performance kit.
The Pick Selection
The kit includes two full sets of finger and thumb picks (8 total):
4 x Stainless Steel Picks: These are the gold standard for resonator and lap steel players. They offer a sharp, bright attack that cuts through a mix. Since they are metal, you can bend them to perfectly fit the contour of your fingers.
4 x Celluloid Picks: If the steel picks feel too "clanky" for your taste, the celluloid options provide a warmer, more traditional "plastic" tone. They feel more like a standard flatpick and are great for softer acoustic sessions.
Protection and Portability
The inclusion of a custom-fit carrying bag is a subtle but vital addition. Chrome-plated steel bars are prone to "pitting" or scratching if they knock around in a gig bag with loose change and cables. Even a tiny scratch on the surface of your slide can cause a "scratching" sound against the strings. The velvet-style bag keeps the surface mirror-smooth.
Performance Analysis: How Does It Sound?
In testing, the Mr.Power Tone Bar produces a crisp, clean tone. On an electric guitar with a high action, the sustain is impressive. When moved over the pickups, there is very little "surface noise," which is a testament to the quality of the plating.
On a Dobro (Resonator), the weight of the bar really shines. It helps drive the cone of the guitar, resulting in that iconic, punchy volume that resonator players crave. The stainless steel picks included in the kit complement the bar perfectly, allowing for fast rolls and syncopated picking patterns.
Pros and Cons
The Pros
Incredible Value: Getting a solid steel tone bar plus 8 picks and a bag for under $20 is a steal.
Versatility: Works perfectly for Dobro, Lap Steel, and even "Slide-style" electric guitar playing.
Build Quality: The chrome finish is smooth and consistent, ensuring no "drag" across the strings.
Pick Options: Including both metal and celluloid picks allows beginners to experiment with different tonal textures.
The Cons
Size Constraint: At 3 inches, it is perfect for standard 6-string setups, but players using 8-string or 10-string console steels might find it a bit short for full-width slants.
Break-in Period: Metal finger picks require some manual bending to fit your fingers comfortably—this is normal, but beginners might find it tricky at first.
Who is this Product For?
1. The Aspiring Lap Steel Player:
If you’ve just bought your first budget lap steel (like a Rogue or a Recording King), don't use the cheap plastic slide that came with it. This kit is the single best upgrade you can make to improve your tone instantly.
2. The Multi-Instrumentalist:
If you occasionally play Dobro in a folk band but aren't ready to drop $100 on a boutique tungsten bar, this is the perfect professional-grade middle ground.
3. The Electric Blues Enthusiast:
If you like to lay your electric guitar flat on your lap to play Jeff Healey style or experimented with "sacred steel" sounds, this bar provides the control you need.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth It?
The Mr.Power Guitar Slide Metal Steel Tone Bar Kit is a rare find in the music gear world: a product that is affordable enough for beginners but high-quality enough for gigging musicians.
The weight is spot-on, the ergonomics are classic, and the added picks ensure you have everything you need to start playing the moment the package arrives. Instead of piecing together your kit and paying double for shipping, this bundle solves the "slide player's starter pack" problem in one go.
Ready to elevate your slide game?
Don't settle for thin, tinny tones. Give your guitar the sustain and resonance it deserves.
Would you like me to compare this tone bar to glass slides or provide a beginner's guide on how to shape the included metal finger picks?
