The Steel Guitar Forum

Ive had the same bar for about 25 years now( George-Ls) Never used any other bar in all those years.
Just wondering what bar others are using these days & why you like the bar you are using.

I'd like to be the first to say BJS bars. I love the way they feel, and the way they sustain. 15/16" John Hughey model for me. YMMV

Richard, if you try a BJS, you'll never look back. They are as smooth as glass, and you get rid of the wound string noise. (not to say George L bars are no good, they are very good)

I've used a George L's bar almost as long as I've been playing. I've tried just about every other type of bar imaginable (powder coat, zirconia, etc) at one point or another. I didn't think there was anything better.

I've been playing a BJS bar for a month and the feel on the strings is night and day. It also took some of the edge off my tone. I couldn't be happier.

I have stated here before-If you want to hear the tonal superiority of the BJS bar compare it to any other on an acoustic/resophonic steel-If you can deal with a round bar for Dobro playing you can throw away a Stevens Steel-As soon as Bill Stroud comes out with his "Dobro Bar" (which is according to BJS website "On the drawing board") I will surely be getting one-PW

Thanks guys for your comments, you know I feel the same way ---->>>>>><<<<<<Bar>>>>

I'm using a Sacred Steel grooved bar because round bars slip around in my left hand. I got the bar at the ISGC in 2003. It's definitely my standard bar. The first bar I used was a Dunlop bar and it slid around in my left hand too much and sometimes it wouldn't stay in my left hand. The grooved bar I use is just amazing! I can't switch bars now cause the Sacred Steel is the best bar I've got.


Brett

I've been using a BJS bar for about 20 years. I've got other bars but they don't compare to the BJS. I've even dropped the BJS bar on a concrete floor and it didn't nick, ding or anything - no mark.

I rarely use the same bar for more than 2 songs in a row. Different bars have different tones, and different sizes and shapes will affect your playing style.

I used the same hollowed out Dunlop chromed bar for about 25 years now. To me the hollow bars produce a warmer, more mellow tone but perhaps a tad less sustain. Their lighter weight will also affect your playing if you've previously only used a solid, heavier bar.

Greg

Playing a double neck-10,and using a BJS 15/16" 12 string bar.

I cast another vote for the BJS bars both the 15/16 and 7/8 are great.

IMHO, "tone" doesn't come from the bar.


Pick a bar for it's weight and feel. As far as tone goes, I don't think there's any significant tonal differences in bars, as long as the weight, size, and material are similar.

Donny Hinson wrote:IMHO, "tone" doesn't come from the bar.


Pick a bar for it's weight and feel. As far as tone goes, I don't think there's any significant tonal differences in bars, as long as the weight, size, and material are similar.

Duh! That's why I have a variety of weights, sizes and materials in my tone bar arsenal.

I like my BJS bar but recently I have found myself using my hollowed out 7/8" Bullet Bar more and more.
I like the feel and tone of it much better and the weight has a lot to do with the feel also.
Don

b0b wrote:Duh! That's why I have a variety of weights, sizes and materials in my tone bar arsenal.

Exactly, Bobby! What I was trying to get across was that significant changes will give different sounds/tones. I have a variety of different bars myself, and I must admit that my stainless bars feel different than my chrome bars, and my stainless bars make a little more string noise than my chrome ones, but there's no appreciable tone difference. Significant differences - a 1/2" bar sounds different than a 1" bar, and a brass bar sounds different than a bakelite bar.

However, the sound/tone/sustain differences between, say, a 7/8" bar and a 15/16" bar of the same type are zippo.

I would classify "a little more string noise" as a tone difference.

I like a bar with enough mass to prevent rattles without a lot of down pressure. The more strings you are trying to cover, the more mass your bar should have.
On pedal steel, I really prefer a 15/16" bar.
When I play an 8 string, non-pedal steel, I downsize to a 3/4" bar.
And I downsize further when playing a 6 string lap guitar. When playing a lap guitar, I really prefer a tapered bar.

Hey Guys, I do think there is a sound difference between the 15/16 and the 7/8 size bars...for slower songs I like to use the 15/16 but for faster songs the 7/8 size BJS bar but for me the 7/8 is the way to go and the 15/16 is just added spice....BJS is my choice...all the way.

BJS for 20+ years.
You won't find a better bar, or a better man than Bill Stroud!

Bob
15/16 & 7/8 with birthstone

If you can afford to get a variety of bars I would do that.

I use an old Ernie Ball bar (10 string) it is good but the chrome has worn off it.

I bought a Red Rajah bar early this year I love it, but the coating is really coming off, I will probably just get another one.

Also I don't know if they still make these, but I used an old emmons bar and I would have to say I liked that bar so far.

I always use a bar glass, they are free and have a transparent tone you see through.
(Sometimes I even use them empty.)

Bill Stroud? Would you trust a guy who's initials are "B.S."?
Bobbe Seymour

I would also add that if you have enough money; buy a "good bar" and you will always have a place to play. I read sometime ago that one of Hank Thompson's Steel players did that.

Ha Ha a Good one Bobbe, that's a good line..
B = Bobbe or Bill
S = Seymour or Stroud
I like that, keep up the good work >>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<

I'm liking my bars more than ever, for I know who I can Trust...
Bill S.

All right, you guys. We better keep an eye on these guys making those BS comments.