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Topic: Bar Maintenance |
Alain-Yves Pigeon
From:
Quebec, Canada
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Posted 1 Oct 2010 4:32 pm |
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Hi to all, when I began this venture in PSG some 2 years ago, I remember all the fuss to chose a bar to play the instrument. Some were advocating the chrome bar and some stainless steel bar (not to mention some more exotic material a la zirconia, ceramic et als). I remember receiving the advice to take care of my bar (finally, I have both kinds) but I wondered what that guy was meaning and to this day I still don't know how you can take care of a bar. I've heard of a few guys who washed it to get rid of the grease that might build up on it but is there something else? As they're kind of pricy, it would be a good idea to get some hints on maintaining this precious object other than have it rechromed if it peels off.
ayp
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Steel working to play it right! |
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Hook Moore
From:
South Charleston,West Virginia
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Posted 1 Oct 2010 6:18 pm
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I use a very good BJS bar. I wash it now and then if it gets either sticky or slippery. Just soap and water. I would never wax it or do anything to make it slick.
Hook
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Blaine Moore |
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Jack Stoner
From:
Kansas City, MO
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Posted 2 Oct 2010 2:01 am
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| The only thing I've done to my 20 year old BJS bar is occasionally wipe it with a soft dry cloth. |
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Ken Pippus
From:
Langford, BC, Canada
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Posted 2 Oct 2010 6:37 am
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Although it seems to be less of an issue with BJS bars than others, I think the best way to extend their life is to not drop them on concrete floors!
KP |
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Bo Borland
From:
South Jersey -
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Posted 2 Oct 2010 8:31 am
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Maybe all maintenance questions should be directed to Rick Campbells' power wash video 
Last edited by Bo Borland on 2 Oct 2010 1:35 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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John De Maille
From:
On a Mountain in Upstate Halcottsville, N.Y.
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Posted 2 Oct 2010 11:01 am
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I usually spray it with a little club soda and dry it off with a bar towel. Oh! I'm sorry, wrong bar!
Mine's a BJS bar, which, I wipe off with a soft cloth after I use it. |
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Bob Hoffnar
From:
Austin, Tx
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Posted 2 Oct 2010 11:58 am
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I have honestly never done anything to maintain a steel bar.
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Bob |
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CrowBear Schmitt
From:
Ariege, - PairO'knees, - France
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Posted 2 Oct 2010 12:53 pm
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aside from wiping it every now & then,not dropping it, i make sure it has comfy & protected storage
BJS here as well  (& a zirconia on the way) |
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Ray Minich
From:
Bradford, Pa. Frozen Tundra
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Posted 2 Oct 2010 3:20 pm
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I've got a steel bar, one that someone gave me years ago, that most of the chrome is worn off.
Someday maybe get it re-plated?
_________________
Lawyers are done: Emmons SD-10, 3 Dekleys including a D10, NV400, and lots of effects units to cover my clams... |
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Ken Pippus
From:
Langford, BC, Canada
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Posted 2 Oct 2010 4:57 pm
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Probably a case of diminishing returns: it'll cost you and you won't know what you're going to end up with.
Buy yourself a new (or used!) BJS and you'll never need another bar.
KP |
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Jim Bates
From:
Alvin, Texas, USA
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Posted 2 Oct 2010 7:20 pm
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I just wipe it on my pants leg.
Thanx,
Jim |
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Ray Leroux
From:
Vulcan Alberta CANADA/Thousand Palms CA.
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Posted 3 Oct 2010 7:04 pm
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| I've found that the sustain on my Dunlop and Pearse bar is reduced somewhat after 4 or 5 years of use. I only found this out after I bought a new Pearse and noticed the change. Rather than buy a new bar I occasionaly use 1500 to 2500 wet/dry and then jewelers polishing cloth and compound. Seems to do the job.I haven't had to do this for a number of years as I no longer play 6 nights a week. My .02$ |
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Larry Bell
From:
Englewood, Florida
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Posted 4 Oct 2010 6:41 am
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BJS is very special -- yes, rather expensive, but VERY SPECIAL
You buy a BJS bar and it is very thickly and sturdily plated with chrome. It is as slick / frictionless as any bar available. It requires no maintenance -- it's so slick fingerprints don't even hardly stick to it.
here's the good part . . .
it is guaranteed FOR LIFE -- your life -- Bill Stroud's life -- the life of your steel -- or the life of whoever buys the bar off you in the future.
Like my buddy Mr. Stoner, I'm working on my 3rd decade on mine with many drops on concrete or tile floors and just about every little disaster that might befall a bar. The BJS is not scratched, peeling, or marred in any way after nearly 30 years of constant use. And (the good part) if it ever DOES peel or scratch the mfgr stands behind it with no questions asked. I've never had to take him up on it but have spoken with those who do. He doesn't try to milk you for more money or argue -- HE WANTS TO KNOW HOW TO MAKE HIS PRODUCT EVEN BETTER. Now THAT'S CAPITALISM at its finest. Make the best product on the market and the market will come to you.
This is one of the best products I have ever had the pleasure to use. Just my opinion, but it is an opinion shared with MANY OTHERS.
I don't know Mr. Stroud -- I own no stock in BJS -- it is just simply the best bar out there, IMHO.
_________________
Larry Bell - email: larry@larrybell.org - gigs - Home Page
My CD's: 'I've Got Friends in COLD Places' - 'Pedal Steel Guitar'
2021 Rittenberry S/D-12 8x7, 1976 Emmons S/D-12 7x6, 1969 Emmons S/D-12 6x6, 1971 Dobro, Quilter ToneBlock 202 TT-12
Last edited by Larry Bell on 4 Oct 2010 6:48 am; edited 1 time in total |
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Ken Pippus
From:
Langford, BC, Canada
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Posted 4 Oct 2010 6:46 am
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The ones with the red stones sound better.
KP  |
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Barry Blackwood
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Posted 4 Oct 2010 10:46 am
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What Bob Hoffnar said.  |
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Paddy Long
From:
Christchurch, New Zealand
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Posted 6 Oct 2010 12:02 pm
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Hey Hooky nice Zum you have there mate ... you've seen the light then ???
_________________
14'Zumsteel Hybrid D10 9+9
08'Zumsteel Hybrid D10 9+9
94' Franklin Stereo D10 9+8
Telonics, Peterson, Steelers Choice, Benado, Lexicon, Red Dirt Cases. |
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Hook Moore
From:
South Charleston,West Virginia
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Bo Borland
From:
South Jersey -
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Posted 6 Oct 2010 2:00 pm
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| The best way to maintain your favorite bar is.. slap a $20 on it.. and pick your poison |
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Eric Philippsen
From:
Central Florida USA
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Posted 6 Oct 2010 2:55 pm
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I don't think I could put it any better than Larry Bell did. I'll add this, though.
I respect differences of opinion and choice regarding everything steel-guitar related. Steels, amps, volume pedals, etc. Hey, whatever anyone feels comfortable with and wants to use - that's plenty fine and alright with me.
But it's just hard to think of any other that compares with a BJS bar. And they're made in so many sizes, lengths and weights. I don't believe I've ever heard a bad thing about them or their maker, Bill Stroud. |
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