The Steel Guitar Forum

How much hype is there concerning different brands of bars? I mean a snapon socket may look prettier than a craftsman, but it doesnt twist bolts any better.

How much hype is there concerning different brands of bars? I mean a snapon socket may look prettier than a craftsman, but it doesnt twist bolts any better.

Well, in my opinion, there is one bar that stands out in front. Way in front. That bar is the JP Thermocryonic bar. This is not your average chromed bar. There really is a difference to be heard with this bar. The way the bar interacts with the strings is unique. I can hear a difference in the tone,(clearer)and I find the sustain is unmatched. The rest of the bars are pretty much in the same category, although, the BJS bars seem to be the best of this group.

Now, the rest of the bars can be used to create effects such as dobro and the like. They can be made from such materials as bronze, brass, glass, stone and even plastics! Some like the ceramics for certain effects.(ie:Zircs) Often much lighter than solid stainless, the ceramics offer a different tonal effect, although, to me, they hinder sustain, and sound a little dull. (but to each his own)

IMHO, the hardness and solidity of the JP is the ultimate in tone and sustain.

From their website:

A totally new kind of tone bar. Carved from an ingot of highest quality 440 stainless steel, each bar is heat treated to 60 Rockwell hardness before being cryogenically frozen to -300 degrees to remove all construction stresses. Experience unbelieveable sustain!

Contact Jerry Roller. He will do you right on the best bar available!

but how do you feel about it?

I dunno about hype, but there are opinions a plenty.
Long ago I had a George L's bar bought cheap. One of the best bars I ever had. Not a "boutique/beautiful people" bar per se, but yeah, most definitely got the job done.
I know in the past I've been accused of "hype" in that weight/size DOES matter concerning tone. It does for me anyway; for grins I ordered a 15/16" same brand as my 7/8" for comparison. I noticed that the 15/16" was a tad more mellow/sustain-y compared to my 7/8". Though called crazy, those were my results. I'd default to the 7/8" but keep a 15/16" handy.
Popular are BJS, Bullet Bars, Cobra Coil, Bulls Eye bars, & you'll hear about others that haven't come to my mind.
I prefer Bullet, more bang for the buck. BTW, Bullet bars are manufactured by Jim Burden, as BJS bars are manufactured by Bill Stroud.
And there are probably guys that use something akin to a snapon socket & sound lovely. I remember Charlie Stepp's bar was some kind of hollowed out affair that appeared it should say "Craftsman/Snapon", sounded great though.
There's all that.

My vote is BJS bars. Jody.

I used to think my Ernie Ball $20 bar was enough to get the job done, but now I'm with Jody on BJS bars. You can spend lots more on some other bars but why would you???

I think they are all good and dont mean to imply that any supplier is dishonest,I am just not convinced that some kind of voodoo metalurgy will sound any better,certainly different metals sound different {am thinking about going out in the shop and make an aluminum bar for the hell of it and see what it sounds like) but am not convinced that an 80 dollar bar is that much different from a 20 dollar bar. Thanks John

I collect bars and have about 50 of them, but the one I actually use is the zirconia bar. It glides across the strings with no friction. You don't notice how much friction a steel bar creates until you play with one of these and see how much smoother it is.

If I didn't have the zirc bar, I'd use either a BJS and a John Pearse frozen bar. Both are excellent, and I would be happy with either one.

I also use a Dunlop sitar bar on occasion, as well as the plastic bar that came with the Match Bro when I use that unit, and for a banjo sound (sorry b0b) a wood bar I made out of a broom handle.

I have an MP3 file on Charles Tilly's web site called "Fantasia Inca" on which I repeatedly played a 2 fret slide on the low B string (72 gauge,) of my U-12, and during the recording process, was getting a lot of surface noise from the bar moving along those thick windings. I tried using different bars to see if any of them was quieter, and found that the Red Rajah bar did not make the noise. I used the zirc bar for everything else on the tune, and the Red Rajah for the bass slides.

John Robel wrote:How much hype is there concerning different brands of bars? I mean a snapon socket may look prettier than a craftsman, but it doesnt twist bolts any better.

John, having been involved in mechanical maintenance for over 20 years, I have to differ.

Snapon and the better made sockets, etc. are better. They fit better, they're stronger, they feel better, and the list goes on!

Pick up a craftsman wrench in your hand and then pick up a snapon - same size, length, etc. and then tell me you would like to use the craftsman all day.

Not a steel bar reply, sorry, but just had to give my .02....lol

BJS Bar here - it rocks!

I've used a BJS for many years and love it. I've dropped my BJS bar on concrete and it didn't nick, or scratch. I recently got a Bullet bar and find it smoother and slightly sharper in tone compared to the BJS. Right now I'm going back and forth between the BJS and the Bullet bar. One time I like the BJS bar better then next time I like the Bullet bar better.

BJS or Zirc. Depends what I am in the mood for. If you get a Zirc bar get a Black one. We all know the balck ones sound better.

Jim Burden is making bars out of some kind of new stainless steel and in my opinion there is not a better sounding or smoother bar anywhere, The difference in sound is imedeately recognized. Martin.

Not to discount the quality of any other product, but I can't imagine a bar actually sounding noticeably better or being more durable than my BJS, but that's just me ….

When All is said and done , In my mind you will find ,it is the BJS Bar that shines, After you try many many Bars , you will find The BJS bar is the choice of most of the steel players throughout the country that have been playing for a while, ,that's because of the work that goes into that bar, ,that's why it is as smooth as it is. Once you try it you will see.

I used to use a BJS bar then Jim Burden of "Bullet Bars" contacted me to try one of his bars. I loved it but the size and weight were not exactly what I wanted.
So I sent Jim my specs and with this new special SS he is using the bar is the only thing I use now.
Jim is a member of our Florida Steel Club and comes to our meetings.
He leaves every show sold out and with orders after guys try out his bars.
He even has a bar he calls by my name because so many who have tried it want one just like mine.
I now have 5 bars of different weights and lengths I use for recording and playing.
Don

"Steel guitarists do it behind bars."- Jimmy Day

http://www.tribotone.com/

In respect to John's thread, I don't believe he's asking what's the best, more like can a $20-30 bar sound as good, get the job done as well as a $60-80 bar. To that I say YES. Now before feathers ruffle or panties get in said wad, I've had a BJS in my past & yes, they're wonderful. But I found something cheaper, sounds just as good, & can get the size/weight/smoothness dialed in right where I want it. But that's just me. I'm sure there are guys out there getting great sounds using Dunlop, George L's, Zirc bars & other types of surfaces/weights, etc.. For that matter there are a handful of guys bringing steel back into the limelight using Stevens type bars, not my 1st choice by a long shot, but it's happening.
Shop/compare will tell the story, but yeah John, I think it's possible to find a bar that spins your beanie for less $$.
Peace.......OUT.

Don Sulesky wrote:... Jim Burden of "Bullet Bars" ...

He even has a bar he calls by my name because so many who have tried it want one just like mine.
I now have 5 bars of different weights and lengths I use for recording and playing.

So what's your 'trademark' size & weight?

I'm pretty happy with the 13/16 x 2-7/8 (~4.5 oz.) bar he made for me, but I'm considering something fatter...

-- Mark

Without a doubt, BJS Hughey bar for me. Jack

I use the BJS Jerry Byrd 3/4" bar. I play non pedal steel and need to do bar slants. The BJS bar is heavier than other steel bars of the same size, so I get a better tone with less string noise. I wouldn't even think of using anything else.

These are some old bars that I have found.

I have a Dunlop bar I purchased in 1979. Stainless steel, about 8 oz. I'm not a pro-player,on PSG, but I've never felt the need to buy a more expensive bar. When I bought a new one, in 2005, it was a Dunlop Stainless Steel. (always good to have a spare so you dont have to rely on "tall boys" in an emergency))
I'm a firm believer that the tone is in the hands, and the Dunlop fits mine perfectly, hammer-ons, pull-offs,slants and just plain sliding, it works for me.
If it's good enough for high caliber players like Tom Bradshaw, it's plenty good for me.
I presently own Dunlop #'s 919, & # 920. One for PSG, one for Lap, but usually I go with my "old stand-by" (8 oz), for both.To each his own !!

For metal bodied reso blues, I use a heavy brass slide,(my buddy cut & polished), or my dunlops. For blues guitar, open tunings, I use section of stainless steel pipe a machinist friend cut and polished for me. No-namebrand.For a squareneck dobro, I use and old circa 70+'s Stevens bar by AP&M Co.
I've tried a lot of materials and bars, but....Dunlop is the one for me.
I feel thers's a lot of hype and expense out there,concerning improvement, which I find cannot be detected on the stage, or elsewhere, IMHO.
Rick

HI JOHN, try sevral types of bars... the more you play the more you'll be able to choos what feels/sounds good. having a several to choose from is like having an assorted box of chocolate.
i've used different types.. i cannot say one is better than all the rest. but from what i have used..
i really like the ed packard zirc bar. it is comfortable and smooth as silk...but so is my don e.curtis twister bar. i even had one made to a little larger specs...but is on the heavy side. it feels good on my uni12... but i cannot play a heavy bar too long...and go to the zirc... or twister.
i still have my dunlops too...and assorted other old bars... have fun..try'em all...
i used to be a mr.goodwrench..snap on..craftsman..or joe shmo...whatever it took to get the job done!!