Alternatives to BJS bars

[Derrick Phillips]

Hey guys, what are some good alternatives to the BJS bars. I really liked my brand new shiny BJS bar but it’s a 1 inch and shortly after getting the 1 inch I switched to a lighter bar, a 7/8.

The 7/8 I have is a Dunlop and it just doesn’t glide as well as a BJS does.

Wondering if there are some alternatives out there that have the same quality of slide and feel that the BJS bar does that are actually available currently.

[Jim Bloomfield]

These are top quality. I have the 15/16 12 string bar from John Pearse. https://steelguitarshopper.com/john-pea ... dal-steel/

[Nathan Pocock]

These are top quality. I have the 15/16 12 string bar from John Pearse. https://steelguitarshopper.com/john-pea ... dal-steel/

Really? I got one of those and it is not ground very smooth. Makes all kinds of noise. Maybe it’s a QC thing and there are better examples but mine is not good.

[Lee Baucum]

I have an old Dunlop bar, with the black insert (not red). It is a NOS (new, old stock) bar that was given to me. I had been using a BJS bar for quite a few years before acquiring this Dunlop. According to my ears, there is a very subtle difference in the tone produced by the Dunlop, as compared to the BJS. I do believe that the BJS has a hair more sustain; but, I really don't play anything that needs an extra second or two of sustain! The Dunlop is smooth as silk on the strings.

Both bars, the BJS and the Dunlop, are in the same bag. I use whichever one comes out of the bag first. Both get the job done for me. Keep in mind...this is a very old Dunlop bar. The new ones may be manufactured differently.

I also had a John Pearse bar for a while. It was a great bar. My only problem was the fact that it was 1 inch in diameter. I just didn't care for that diameter. I would not hesitate to purchase another Pearse bar. The one I had was excellent, just too large. You can purchase a Pearse bar from our hosts right here on the Forum.

[Tucker Jackson]

These are top quality. I have the 15/16 12 string bar from John Pearse. https://steelguitarshopper.com/john-pea ... dal-steel/

Really? I got one of those and it is not ground very smooth. Makes all kinds of noise. Maybe it’s a QC thing and there are better examples but mine is not good.

Nathan, do you use stainless steel for your wound strings, or nickel?

There's supposedly slightly more drag if you use a steel bar (like the Pearse) on steel strings. I say 'supposedly' because I've read it on the Forum but have no first hand experience.

[Nathan Pocock]

I use nickel strings. It’s clearly the polish on the bar it is not as shiny as my other bars and has a cloudy/rough appearance and feel.

These are top quality. I have the 15/16 12 string bar from John Pearse. https://steelguitarshopper.com/john-pea ... dal-steel/

Really? I got one of those and it is not ground very smooth. Makes all kinds of noise. Maybe it’s a QC thing and there are better examples but mine is not good.

Nathan, do you use stainless steel for your wound strings, or nickel?

There's supposedly slightly more drag if you use a steel bar (like the Pearse) on steel strings. I say 'supposedly' because I've read it on the Forum but have no first hand experience.

[Nathan Pocock]

Here is an Ernie Ball next to the Pearce. You can see the reflection of the phone in the Ernie Ball, the Pearce is just hazy. The level of polish is not there. It feels sticky and gritty on the strings.

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[Jerry Overstreet]

BJS bars are hard chrome over some type of metal. I don't know if it's a steel alloy, brass or what.

Other 7/8 bars I know of that are chromed over metal are the Ernie Ball bars, so says the description. [See Nathan's example] They're also very reasonably priced. They offer medium and heavy weights.

I don't know if there are other chrome plated bars on the market or not.

[I made a few errors and misstatements in my earlier entry and rather than edit it, it was easier to just delete it all and re-write it.]

[Per Berner]

My John Pearse cryogenic bar is just as shiny and smooth as my BJS, and both feel and sound the same (just 1/16th inch diameter difference). Your JP must have been made on a monday.

[Derrick Phillips]

I appreciate all the replies. Nathan, when did you purchase your JP bar?
And where did you purchase it from?

As far as the BJS bars, I heard there was a younger gentleman who lived near Bruce’s shop and he was planning to pick up the BJS business. Not sure whatever happened to that.

[Nathan Pocock]

My Dad got it shipped to me as a birthday present probably almost two years ago. I think he got it from this forum but I’m not 100% sure.

I appreciate all the replies. Nathan, when did you purchase your JP bar?
And where did you purchase it from?

As far as the BJS bars, I heard there was a younger gentleman who lived near Bruce’s shop and he was planning to pick up the BJS business. Not sure whatever happened to that.

[David W.D. McCormick]

You should try one of Michael Hillman’s powder coated bars. I have a Hillman bar and a BJS bar. I hear no discernible difference in tone and sustain, and prefer the feel and glide of the Hillman bar. Plus they look cool.

https://tonebars.com/

[Michael Lester]

I agree that a Hillman coated bar is a good alternative. They're very slick on the strings, easy to maneuver and feel good in the hand.

I've got two 7/8" and a 1" - they're all consistent high quality and seem to last forever.