Glass slide tone can sound different according to the color, the texture, and the type of the glass used in producing it.

GLASS TYPE

    Soda-Lime Glass is a soft glass. This is the glass type most liquor bottles are made from. It has a very high sustaining quality to it. It gives off soft, warm, ringing tones. It is also louder than hard glass.

    Borosilicate Glass (Pyrex) is a very hard glass. It is very durable. However it does not have a comparable tone quality to that of Soda-Lime Glass. It is rather dull sounding in comparison.

     Crystal-Lead Glass I have not experimented with yet, but I will post more on this in the future. I have heard good things about this type of glass and tone.

Color

    When making colored glass different types of very fine metals or pigments are added which can also change the tone of a slide. Generally the more transparent the slide is the more sustain you will have. The darker the color of the slide, the louder it is.

Texture

    The texture of a slide also changes the tone. Smoked glass gives off a dirtier type tone, Yet still has nice sustain.

Length/Weight/Thickness

    The weight and thickness of the slide can also provide less or more volume. The heavier or thicker the slide is the thicker the tone and volume will be. This also applies to guitar strings.

    The length of the slide is important to how you use the slide and what makes you comfortable. For instance if you tune to open tuning and play rhythm most of the time you might want a longer slide. This way the slide is long enough to cover all the strings. In open tuning all you have to do is bar all six strings and you have a chord.

     On the other hand, If you play lead guitar or tune to non-open tuning you might prefer a shorter slide. A shorter slide can be easier to manage when ripping out lead licks.

     Another factor in length and thickness is which finger you place the slide on, and what type of guitar you use. It is really hard to control a massive slide with your pinky. And if you use a guitar with very thin strings you will probably want a lighter slide. Personally I would use a nice thick slide for acoustic or resonators, and electric with nice thick strings.

      Everyone is unique and has their own opinion as well as tonal preference. This guide is created with my own personal experiences and opinions. Feel free to experiment. Make your sound unique. Above all have fun and enjoy sliding.

               Slide On!...................Greg

http://www.bottleneckstore.com

Glass Properties, Color, and Sound