The Steel Guitar Forum

After hearing such good things about BJS bars, I decided to pick one up from a forumite who was selling a used one. It shows a little wear, meaning the finish isn't bright and shiny, but it plays great. The weight is what I like most...it just feels right. Have to build up the left hand muscles a bit for better "quick movement" control, but that will come with practice.

I love the solid tone and that less downward pressure is need to prevent chatter.

Great design!

One of my students gave me a BJS bar a couple of years ago as a gift, and it's the best bar I've ever owned! ...and I've owned a lot of bars in the last 35 years. At first I only used the BJS for shows and recording sessions. Now I use it for all of my gigs, and I make sure to pack it up safely in it's case after using it. This one's a keeper!

Bill, How long is the 15/16" bar and what does it weigh?

The 15/16 10 string bar is 3 3/8" long and weights 9.8 oz solid.
The 15/16" 12 string bar is 3 9/16 long and weights 10.4 oz solid.
The lighter bar 15/16" 10 string will weight around 8.4 oz.
The lighter 15/16" bar 12 string will be around 8.9 oz.
They feel just right and the tone is still there.
The 7/8" 10 string bar weights in at 8.4 oz solid bar.
The 7/8" 12 string bar weights in at 8.9 oz solid bar.
The lighter 7/8" 10 string bar will be around 7 oz.
The lighter 7/8" 12 string bar will be around 7.4 oz.
I hope this answers some of your questions.

Hope the above help you in the lenghts and weights of the different bars that I make.
Bill

ZZZZZZZZ<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>^^^^^^^^^

Andy,
Yes all of my bars has the indent in the back end.
Sorry it took so long to answer your question.
Bill

Bill, I have just purchased a 3/4" x 2 7/8" BJS bar from a UK store via mail order.

I was interested to hear you say that all your bars have indents. My bar arrived without one, except for the faintest 'lip', which is a disappointment to me as I'm trying to master slants on lapsteel and need all the help I can get.

I was considering returning the bar but since the profile, the weight and the hard chrome suit me so well, I have decided to keep it. Still, I'm curious about that indent.

Best wishes, Rick

Best bar available......bar none!

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Gaylon's Homepage
www.gaylonmathews.com

Gretchen Wilson
www.gretchenwilson.com

Hi Rick,
All of the bars have about 1/32" indent including yours, but when I put the logo on the smallest bar the 3/4" it just about fills it out but it still has a little there. The backend is about .640" x 1/32" indent, so on the 3/4" bar that's .110" divided by 2 = .055" per side from the outside diameter, then with a corner break it doesn't seem like much at all, but the 7/8", 1", 15/16" it's more pronounced because it has more surface between the indent and the O.D. of the bar, so when the radius is put on the larger bars, it don't take away from the indent, I hope this help you to understand why the 3/4" is that way.
Thanks,
Bill

Appreciate your kind reply Bill, I now understand how the indent seems that way on the 3/4" model. It's a beautiful bar, the finish is superb and the long nose seems to help split slants stay in tune. Thanks and keep up the great work!

Rick

You are welcome Rick, glad you like that bar several people has them.
If you ever need anything let me know, my email is bjsbars@frontiernet.net Thanks for using the BJS Bar.
Bill

Thanks Gaylon for using the BJS bar, and to all a big thanks,
Bill

They are still in the works, I'll keep everyone posted when ther are ready to ship.
Thanks,
Bill

The bars are all sawed up and are in the CNC 1200 bars are being made all different styles, solids and the lighter ones....10 and 12 string plain & birthstone bars...

I beleive my 7/8" x 12 string BJS birthstone bar is over 25 years old & still like new.
Several years ago I started using the 15/16" model, which I use most all the time, but I keep the 7/8" in my pouch as a back-up, & will use it occasionally for a thinner, slide or rock sound with the fuzz.

I have also been selling the BJS bars in my store since their inception, & have not had one complaint...yes the occasional plating blemishes, but I simply replace the customer's bar as I know I can send the blemished one back to Bill for replacement.
Great service!
Al Brisco

Thanks Al, and yes I do take care of my customers, the same way that I would like to be treated.
Al I really like your CD, great picking, and the sound is great.
Your Friend,
Bill

Mike you may want to get you one of the lighter bars when they are finished as it might help you in your bar slants and the feel of the bar that you just might like.
Just email me if you want to be on the list as getting the first ones being made.
Bill

Anyone wanting the new bar send me an email of what you want so that I can put you into the folder and make a hard copy for my files.
Thanks, Bill EMAIL: bjsbaars@frontiernet.net

Bill's email bjsbars@frontiernet.net not baar? Boy whew>>>>>>>>>>

Maybe already answered, but I couldn't find anything in "search"...

1. Are there 8-string bars? What would be different between that and a 10-string?

2. Are they available in 1 1/4"?

Might seem like dumb questions, but I really don't know a ton about bars. I have a Dunlop, Twister, and a 1 1/4" plexiglass bar that is actually my main playing bar. It sounds amazingly good, but a little tough to use on the lower "frets". Very quick because of the weight - but it's the size that really is the thing I like.<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Jim Sliff on 08 June 2006 at 07:49 PM.]</p></FONT>

Email exactly what your wanting on the 8 string 1 1/4" diameter bar, solid or a lighter weight bar?
bjsbars@frontiernet.net
I'll see what I can do for you.
Bill

Let me clear a few things up, some dealers thinks we are out of bars according to their web site, we are not, the only ones we are waiting for is the new bars that are lighter, and I'm stocking up on all sizes so that the dealers will have them when they are ready, for instance the 7/8 10 string bar is the ones that we were low on, but I've got a few completed to fill the rush orders until the others are finished. Hopes this clears up some confusion, we've got the 15/16", 1", and 7/8" ready for shipping.
Call Shirley at 731-364-3519 or email bjsbars@frontiernet.net and you will be taken care of.
Thanks,
Bill

Update on the bars, they ship to go to Heat Treat tomorrow 6-22-06, they should be done at the heat treaters next Thursday, two days shipping to Centerless Grinding, so that's July 3rd that they will arrive there, so three days up there, two days to ship back to me, that's around July 11th or 12th, then the big rush sets in polishing and buffing, then after that Industrial Hard Chroming, it's looking like 1st or 2nd week in August to have them ready to ship. So, hang tight they're in the works.
Thanks for your patience,
Bill

Bill - You can add my name to your long list of satisfied customers. I had 10 string 1 7/8 bar that has served me well and I just received my 15/16 bar and it is just what I hoped it would be. Fits my hand, my style, and adds just what I was looking for to my sound. I couldn't ask for more! - Tom Palmer - D2F Covers