The Steel Guitar Forum

Real soon no more "out of stock" Yay!

George, Does this mean they're going out of business?

Absolutely not! I've been looking for a new BJS plain nose bar for some time now and Butch has informed me he has a whole bunch that are at the plating company, hence the "out of stock" will now read "In Stock". His shop move I think took longer than he expected.

A little plug here for Butch:

It's not easy for a manufacturer to change location. Butch is not only moving BJS, he continues to honor Bill's "lifetime warranty -- no questions asked" policy. That deserves some recognition.

Butch helped me temporarily fix my BJS bar that follows me to every gig == and has for decades. His suggestion to use a Dremel tool to remove the rough spots from a drop on a cement floor has gotten me through. I will send it back to him for a more permanent repair or replacement once he is in full swing with his inventory re-supplied.

Bill Stroud was one of the steel guitar industry's most reputable suppliers. I applaud Butch for following Bill's superb customer service model moving forward.

Larry and George, So proud to hear this. Bill was a friend and a neighbor. BJS FOREVER.

Butch is a straight up guy just like Bill. He has some new products in the works so be on the lookout. Happy to call him friend.

It's not overstating it to say that once you use a BJS bar you never go back.

I have an order in right now. Mr. Butch replied to my email promptly and kindly. Should have my new BJS bars in a week or two!

i've heard nothing but good about bjs bars. do they have a superior plating quality somehow? it always seemed to me that a stainless bar would last longer, being the same all the way through. ?? enlighten me please.

then again, i've got an old marlen bar that is beautiful and looks like chrome, but i don't know if it is.

Hi Chris,
I battled back and forth from stainless to chrome bars forever. I found the stainless bars eventually become grooved towards the nose and start to drag. The chrome does not . I have a couple BJS bars that have stayed smooth since I bought them 16 or so years ago. The BJS bars still have virtually no drag and just seem to fit my hand.

Have 2. Love em!

I ordered a 12 string bar from Butch last week. Got the last one I think. Talked to Butch personally so he could check his stock. Great person to talk to and can't wait to get the bar this week!

Butch he is a great guy got to visit with him at a show last fall and got one of his fantastic bars love it . He will be back at full swing shortly give him a chance. Might even get a twelve string bar from him also

Some good coments, about the BJS bars, ,, Yes Butch Gardner is a fine gentleman, and yes he is doing a fine job ,keeping the BJS bar the finest bar on the market, (Bar None) ,The reason I know is that I spent about 30 years, with Bill Stroud, and now enjoy the pleasure of assisting Butch Gardner, the owner and maker of the BJS Bars. Come visit , The BJS booth at the upcoming show at Dallas, Texas, March, 13th- 16th,2014, Hope to see you there. Lee Johnson,

Thanks to all for your patience and support. I am currently working down my "Will Call" list, responding to commitments. Bars coming available, but stock has not fully recovered, so I will leave the notice to "Contact Before Ordering" up for a while longer.

As Lee said, we will be in Dallas. Supply may be a bit limited, so stop by early.

Thanks Again, Butch

I have 4 BJS bars, one for each of my 2 steels and one each in my seats as a back up. the new ones sound a little brighter than my 30 year old bar, which still looks brand new, so I use them on my darker sounding guitar. Spend the money, they are worth their weight in gold.

Larry Behm

My buddy just received his. Now if he can only get his guitar back from guy rebuilding it.

I've been using mine for somewhere between 10 and 15 years. I have used other brands when sitting in on other guy's guitars. I carry my picks and bar to places I might sit in, but try theirs anyway. It doesn't take me long to put the other brand's bar down and pick up my BJS. I'm glad to see them still with us.

I'm thinkin' I'm gonna buy me another one at the Dallas Show. Absolutely THE BEST BAR, I've ever used!!!!!I want to try a 15/16ths, although I have no complaints with my 7/8ths BAR. If nothing else, just to have a spare.

Bill, you'll love that 15/16 bar, especially on a ballad or waltz! Special thanks to Butch & all the good folks @ BJS! Travel safely to/from Dallas...wish I was going. To busy playing on a big trainset in Lane's part of the country.

The only thing I don't like about mine is I keep losing the jewel on the end.

These BJS are simply the best.

Please go and see Butch when you're in Dallas and get your BJS bar.