The Steel Guitar Forum

A bit of background...

I've always used a Jerry Byrd-type bar, but surgery on my left hand has made it near impossible for me to hold and manipulate that bar without pain and numbness. So I searched for an option.

I purchased a Wayne Johnson aluminum oxide bar in 3.5" x 1". It was immediately easier for me to use. It feels "grippier" than my JB, but at the same time it is just as smooth on the strings. It also feels lighter, but I have not weighed the bar.

The tone and sustain of the aluminum bar (to my feeble ears) seems unchanged. However, my dearly beloved wife who has an ear every musician would kill for insists that Wayne's aluminum bar sustains just a bit longer, and she also says that it's tone is brighter.

At any rate, I really like the bar. It has enabled me to play without pain or numbness in my left hand, and I enjoy the feel and tone.

I highly recommend the bar, and Wayne was an A1 guy to deal with.

YMMV

I went to Wayne's shop. What a suprise!He is a man of many talents and interests. I really enjoy using his anodized aluminum bar, has a nice feel in my hand and makes slants so much easier.Great prices and he makes a relly nice emergency flashlight for emergency and disaster use.

Sounds interesting. Could you please post contact information? I couldn't find anything on a very short search, and I'm sure others would like to take advantage of Mr. Johnson's expertise.

Here's Wayne's thread with info on his bars ...

http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=261575

P.S. I, too, have one of the anodized aluminum bars and I like it!