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Topic: Where to find a BJs Tone Bar |
Peter Haverkamp
From:
Ontario, Canada
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Posted 25 Apr 2021 4:37 pm |
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Hi everyone, I've been playing for a few weeks now and teaching myself from Youtube. I'd already like to upgrade to a better tone bar than the Dunlop I have. I have heard BJs tone bars are great, but their website says out of stock, and I besides I am in Canada and don't know if I could even have it shipped here right now with everything going on. Any idea where I could get one up here in Canada eh?
If this is in the wrong section, forgive me, I didn't see a seperate forum section for accessories. |
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Dale Rivard
From:
Ontario, Canada
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Posted 25 Apr 2021 4:43 pm
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| Hi Peter, Try Al Brisco at Steel Guitars of Canada. |
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Dustin Elmore
From:
North Mississippi
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Posted 25 Apr 2021 6:54 pm
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| Hey Peter, go to the website & shoot an email.. maybe you'll have some luck. |
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Bill Miller
From:
Gaspe, Quebec, Canada
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Posted 26 Apr 2021 5:59 am
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| It looks like both Steel Guitars of Canada and BJS Bars have the BJS 15/16th bars in stock. The 15/16th diameter bars are probably the most popular size compared to 7/8th or smaller these days. I just find the sustain and overall feel better with the heavier bar. There's also the 1" bars but they aren't a big seller. |
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Erv Niehaus
From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
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Posted 26 Apr 2021 6:46 am
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I like the BJS 15/16th John Hughey model.
It is a larger bar but drilled out to weigh about the same as a 7/8th bar. 
Erv |
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Jerry Overstreet
From:
Louisville Ky
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Posted 26 Apr 2021 7:33 am
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There's nothing wrong with your Dunlop bar. As a new player, because you see other people using BJS bars, doesn't mean you are missing anything in your tone or playing.
Also, your Dunlop bar is most likely 7/8 in. diameter. You might like a 15/16 size or you might not. The 7/8 bar is still the standard.
If you really want a BJS bar, just be patient. They come up for sale here now and again or they will probably be back in stock shortly. The original bar has a jewel type of label in the butt end. The Gardner marketed ones are labeled different but they are both fine bars indeed.
Original Bill Stroud bar right, current bar left.
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Carl Williams
From:
Oklahoma
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Posted 26 Apr 2021 7:44 am
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| Played my ZB/BMI 7/8†bar for 30 yrs and bought a 7/8†BJS bar from Bill Stroud about 15 yrs ago. I’ve moved on to the 15/16†BJS John Hughey model and finally now to the 1†BJS John Hughey bar. Both made by Butch Gardner who took over the BJS company from Bill Stroud about 10 yrs ago. Butch is truly carrying on the fine reputation of the BJS Brand...Carl |
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Ian Rae
From:
Redditch, England
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Posted 26 Apr 2021 8:57 am
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Peter, I don't want to sound patronising but I agree with Jerry. You need to get further along before you'll notice any difference. I used a Dunlop bar for years before I bought a John Pearse right here off the Forum. Save your money or spend it on lessons!
I do have a BJS bar (ordered direct from Butch via the BJS website) but that's for my long-scale 12-string.
_________________
Make sleeping dogs tell the truth!
Homebuilt keyless U12 7x5, Excel keyless U12 8x8, Williams keyless U12 7x8, Telonics rack and 15" cabs |
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Bill Miller
From:
Gaspe, Quebec, Canada
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Posted 26 Apr 2021 5:53 pm
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| The main difference between a Dunlop bar and a BJS is that the BJS bars are chromed. I've been playing over 30 years now but I got my first BJS bar pretty early on and I noticed an improvement as soon as I got it. Of course the Dunlop I had been using I didn't get new and it wasn't in perfect shape. But that said I find a chrome plated bar has a feel on the strings I've never gotten from any stainless bar. |
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Ian Rae
From:
Redditch, England
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Posted 27 Apr 2021 1:04 am
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Bill puts the opposite argument to me, which is equally valid! If you get a BJS and prefer the feel of it, it may encourage you to practise more, which can only be a good thing 
When I taught trombone, I always encouraged those parents who could afford it to provide their child with an instrument that was one step better than they really needed. Practice is hard enough work if done correctly, so why make it harder?!
_________________
Make sleeping dogs tell the truth!
Homebuilt keyless U12 7x5, Excel keyless U12 8x8, Williams keyless U12 7x8, Telonics rack and 15" cabs |
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Jim Fogarty
From:
Phila, Pa, USA
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Posted 29 Apr 2021 9:39 pm
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Peter,
If you want an upgrade, but a bit less pricey than the BJS (which I love and do highly recommend!)......I find the John Pearse Thermo-Cryonic bars (which bOb sells here) to be really damned close to the BJS. They're @ 1/2 the cost......plus they're available. I have a 1" bar I use occasionally for sustainy ballads, and a 7/8 I carry as a backup. If I "had" to use them over the BJS, I'd be fine with that.
https://www.steelguitarshopper.com/JP-B3/
FWIW, even as a beginner, I struggled with the Dunlop bars. As a teacher, I'm no fan of trying to buy talent, but for me a good bar was a worthy upgrade. YMMV. |
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