Bar Question

Lefty · Post by **Lefty** » 2 Sep 2003 3:05 pm

Steel bar that is. I have used my Dunlop bar for the past 20 plus years without problems.
Since I recently purchased a new steel, I am going to invest in another bar for the new one.
Dunlop seems to be the low end these days ($25.00 avg.) with some costing ($50.00 avg.) BJS and some as much as $75.00 or more.
What is the difference, and does the difference merit the added cost?
I know this is subjective for different levels of skill, and sensitivity.
Thank you,
Lefty
Sho-Bud LDG
Dekley D-10
Rickenbacker Lap

Bobby Lee · Post by **Bobby Lee** » 2 Sep 2003 4:25 pm

The BJS sounds great and never wears out. I don't know much about other bars.

I played a BJS for 20 years and then bought another one. I can't tell the difference between them.

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<img align=right src="http://b0b.com/Hotb0b.gif" width="96 height="96">Bobby Lee - email: quasar@b0b.com - gigs - CDs, Open Hearts
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Charlie Moore · Post by **Charlie Moore** » 2 Sep 2003 4:44 pm

lefty,i use a 3&3/8" long 7.5 oz. 7/8" bar depend's on player but bar's have a lot to do with tone,!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!at least i think it doe's.......

charlie

Michael Holland · Post by **Michael Holland** » 2 Sep 2003 7:00 pm

Just make sure you get a left-handed one, Lefty.

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Wayne Franco · Post by **Wayne Franco** » 2 Sep 2003 7:19 pm

I have 2 new bars I bought at the convention. One 15/16th Stainless Steel bar and a BJS chrome bar. I got some good advice from Herb Steiner. Use a bar that is harder than the strings you use. If you use nickel strings stainless is harder. If you are using stainless strings and a stainless bar, like metals will have more drag because they are the same hardness. Chrome trumps all because its harder than any strings. Makes sense. I am getting a cleaner tone with my 1 inch BJS but a bit fuller tone with the smaller stainless bar. I use nickel wound strings so I don't know if its the metal or the size. Maybe size does matter!

Jeff A. Smith · Post by **Jeff A. Smith** » 2 Sep 2003 7:44 pm

The BJS is definitely worth the extra money to me. I have a 7/8" chrome Dunlop and a 1" stainless Dunlop, and my BJS chrome bars sound way better to my ear. I also have a John Pearce, which is made of high-grade stainless. It's a little warmer than the BJS bars, but still sustains well. Lately, I seem to be pretty much sticking with the BJS 7/8".

To me, considering how long these babies last, and what they sound like, the 50 or 60$ is well worth it.

If somebody is happy with what they have though, maybe it wouldn't be.
[This message was edited by Jeff A. Smith on 02 September 2003 at 08:46 PM.]

Nicholas Dedring · Post by **Nicholas Dedring** » 3 Sep 2003 8:26 am

The Dunlop I had at first started wearing through the chrome to what looked like brass underneath. Might have just been discoloration... but the BJS I replaced it with sounds and feels better, I think it was worth the money...

Erv Niehaus · Post by **Erv Niehaus** » 3 Sep 2003 10:24 am

Definitely go BJS! They are the finest bars, bar none. And Bill is the nicest guy around. I bought a bar years ago and the chroming started to wear thin on the butt end and Bill sent me a new one, no questions asked. I now use a 15/16s bar with birthstone and I think I'm going to be buried with it, I like it so well. I want it with me when I get to heaven!

Erv

Bobby Sparks · Post by **Bobby Sparks** » 3 Sep 2003 10:48 am

What was the white bar that Buddy Emmons was using at the convention? I've been looking, but haven't found one like it yet in any advertisement. Just curious.

George McLellan · Post by **George McLellan** » 3 Sep 2003 11:42 am

Bobby, I was there but couldn't see his bar from where I was, but.....to venture a guess I'd say it's a zarconium (sp?). I have one 7/8th's x 3&1/4 and wish Bill Stafford hadn't quit making them. I would have liked to have gotten a 15/16th's one.

Bobby Sparks · Post by **Bobby Sparks** » 3 Sep 2003 11:56 am

George,
Thanks for the response. I wasn't sure what it was. I was close enough that when Buddy E. got ready to play "Blue Jade" I heard him say "Let me get my 'Blue Jade' bar", or something to that effect. Seemed to me that they both sounded fine!

BNS

Jeff A. Smith · Post by **Jeff A. Smith** » 3 Sep 2003 7:13 pm

I met Bill Stafford in Grand Rapids, MI. He showed me one of his zirconium bars.

Now that baby was smooth!

Jerry Roller · Post by **Jerry Roller** » 3 Sep 2003 8:03 pm

Well, I think I have everything in the way of guitars and gear that a guy could ever want or at least need but I sure would like to have one of those Zirconia bars. I also want a Wrap-around Emmons guitar. I visualize several guys rolling around on the floor laughing about now!!!

Jerry

Lefty · Post by **Lefty** » 4 Sep 2003 1:29 am

Thanks for all of the good information/opinions on this subject. Bob makes a good point, they do last forever. I am going for one of those BJS bars. My experience is that I am usually glad I bought the better quality later on down the road.
Thanks,
Lefty
Sho-Bud LDG
Dekley D-10
Dobro resophonic