Bar Size: 7/8 vs. 15/16 ?

Bob Snelgrove · Post by **Bob Snelgrove** » 4 Feb 2003 7:37 am

I've been using a 12 string 7/8 BJS bar for years (on 10 string guitars). Thinking of trying a 15/16". Anybody switch? Also, Does TW use a 15/16"? (Not that that affects me, just looked like a bigger bar on the Oprey.

bob

Larry Bell · Post by **Larry Bell** » 4 Feb 2003 8:12 am

It's amazing how much difference that 1/16" makes to me. It's just the perfect size for my hands. BUT . . . it's a very personal decision since not all players' hands are the same size and not all hold the bar in the same way.

YES, I have switched from 7/8 to 15/16" and it works great for me, but I strongly recommend you try to find one to try out if at all possible. And, also from my perspective, there's nothing like a BJS.

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<small>Larry Bell - email: larry@larrybell.org - gigs - Home Page
2000 Fessenden S-12 8x8, 1969 Emmons S-12 6x6, 1971 Dobro

Erv Niehaus · Post by **Erv Niehaus** » 4 Feb 2003 12:15 pm

Do you think the 15/16 bar would work for someone with kind of small hands? I love my 7/8 BJS bar but kind of want to try the 15/16 one.
Erv

Jon Light · Post by **Jon Light** » 4 Feb 2003 12:23 pm

Obviously my mileage only......I went from 7/8" to 1" to 15/16" over around a four year period (12 string). I am real settled in with the 15/16. It feels just right for me. I have fairly small hands. I actually liked the 1" but started wishing for a little less weight/mass. So my no.1 bar is BJS 15/16, no.2 is Burden Bullet 15/16" that is a little bit hollowed out and lighter, no.3 is BJS 1".

Reggie Duncan · Post by **Reggie Duncan** » 4 Feb 2003 3:22 pm

My story is exactly like Jon's. The BJS 15/16" is the right feel and the right tone, for me. But, I still sell more 7/8" than any other size.

Don Walters · Post by **Don Walters** » 5 Feb 2003 6:43 am

My experience is almost identical to Jon Light's. I have fairly small hands, and very dry skin, and always struggled between the 7/8" size and the 1" weight. I bought a 15/16" in April '02 and just realized about a week ago that I just pick it up and play. I am amazed at the difference it makes to my comfort in playing. I'm no longer conscious of trying to hold onto the bar.

John Bechtel · Post by **John Bechtel** » 5 Feb 2003 10:34 pm

I've used 7/8" 10str. bars of various brands since about '56 and just about 3mos. ago, purchased a 15/16" BJS 10str. bar. The very moment I placed the bar on the strings, I knew this is the bar that I will be using on my 10str. guitars from now on! I immediately noticed an unbelieveable improvement in both tone and sustain! My guess is that the sleight increase in weight makes the difference, without the sleightly oversized feel of a 1" bar! Believe me, try it; you'll like it! "Big John" http://community.webtv.net/KeoniNui/BigJohnBechtels

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 6 Feb 2003 7:13 pm

I use different sizes, but I don't notice much difference in the sound. Speed? Yes. Sound, no. In my own mind, a big heavy bar forces you to play smoother, and a small light bar <u>lets</i> you play faster. I have 8 or 10 bars that range from 9/16" to 1 1/4" in diameter.

Tim Rowley · Post by **Tim Rowley** » 15 Feb 2003 12:57 am

A 15/16" no-jewel BJS is what I have been using for the past 3 years or so. Feels better in my hand, better tone too. IMHO it's the next best thing to a steel that plays itself.

Tim R.

David Spires · Post by **David Spires** » 20 Feb 2003 10:30 am

Well, for me I'll give you a vote for the 7/8". I have used a 7/8" for several years (BJS of course), and bought a 15/16" at St. Louis this past year (even used it on the show). I like the slightly bolder tone I get from the heavier bar, but after months of using it - I switched back to my 7/8" for good. Two reasons --- I can move my 7/8" more quickly, and most importantly, I am more exact with the intonation with the 7/8" bar.

There are times with the 15/16", that I could swear I was in the correct position, but slightly out of tune. I just seem to be able to pin-point the accuracy of my 7/8" bar better. Intonation wins out for me in this case.

Obviously, there are a lot of players who don't have this problem, but if it is something you notice yourself after making a switch... don't be afraid to change back.

Always BJS,

David Spires

Winnie Winston · Post by **Winnie Winston** » 20 Feb 2003 7:19 pm

I was given a chromed 1" many years ago. I recalled that Jophn Hughey used a larger dia. bar.
I was ploaying a gig where the house turned over, so we played two identical sets. I used the 3/4 bar on the first set and the 1" on the second. The band asked if I had changed my tone settings or something, because the steel sure did sound better the second set.
That was enough for me. I've been using it since.

JW