The Steel Guitar Forum

Just wondering what everyone's favorite diameter of bar is? I have always used a 7/8 but my new BJS is a 15/16 and WOW!!!!! I am kicking myself for not using this size a long time ago.. I love the way it feels and how smooth it glides along the strings laterally.... I have always used BJS but not this diameter.... Slim

mike, i used 7/8 for years and was fine.
then one day a 1 inch bar appeared and i love it.
i imagine the 15/16 would actually be perfect.

i'll be glad to try one as soon as a free one appears.

15/16 for years

I also used a 7/8" for many years and then when I tried a 15/16", I was hooked!
I especially like the BJS, John Hughey model.

40 years with 7/8" then tried a 15/16" and on to a 1" bar for the past two years. Really like the feel and sustain of a 1" bar. I wish I had tried the 1" bar sooner...oh well, better late than....go with what works for you. Give whatever choice you make a few weeks to get used to it...My two bits worth.

Started years ago with a 7/8". Been using a 1" bar for the last 20 years. Mater of fact, My 7/8" bar went with a PSG buddy of mine when he passed from cancer about 15 years ago. I taught him how to play PSG..... Most fitting place for it......

chris ivey wrote:mike, i used 7/8 for years and was fine.
then one day a 1 inch bar appeared and i love it.
i imagine the 15/16 would actually be perfect.

i'll be glad to try one as soon as a free one appears.

Chris your post made me laugh but if I had an extra I would sure give you one.... Slim

Mike after playing most bars for years I have decided that my favorite is 15/16"!

I prefer one inch.

I started with various bars and then got a BJS 7/8 which I liked but then on advice from members to try the John Hughey 15/16 BJS bar ,I never looked back as I have far more comfort and control with it. For me this is the perfect bar. JAMES TAYLOR

I have bars from 1/2" up to 1 1/4", but always went back to the 7/8". Larger (heavier) bars slow me down a bit, and make intonation above fret 17 somewhat "dicey".

i rarely go up there. there's no wear on my top frets.

I started out with 7/8, went to 1", went back to 7/8, then tried 15/16. That's where I have stayed ever since.

well crap,, no wonder i cant play this thing,, i am using a to small of a bar!!

chris ivey wrote:i rarely go up there. there's no wear on my top frets.

That's funny, chris. But you know, I had one of those eBay Wishinborns and I'll be darned if the silk screened fret markers weren't showin' wear. I never touched em with anything...

(FOR ME) 7/8 is my fastest most comfortable bar,
15/16 sounds better (my BJS)
1" is too heavy and big for me.
Spose it depends on the person's preference
JB