Alternatives to BJS Bar

[Jack Kilbride]

I just went to order one, and saw that they are no longer taking orders. Does anyone have suggestions for a good quality bar? I use Dunlop right now, but am looking for something cooler. Alternatively, does anyone have an extra 7/8" 10-string bar?

[Brett Day]

If you're looking for a different bar, try Ezzee Slide polymer bars. Basil Henriques in England makes those bars, and they come in several different sizes, including 7/8. I use the Ezzee Slide bar for pedal steel since I have cerebral palsy in my left hand, and it is the best bar I've used. I used a Dunlop when I started playing steel.

[Bill McCloskey]

According to their website, BJS bars will be back. A young apprentice will be taking over the business, and they will begin to accept orders then, sometime in the fall.

I've played with the polymer bars and I've had both Basil's and Todd Clinesmiths. I found I liked them much more when I was playing lapsteel. Really cuts down on bar noise. But not so much for pedal steel. BJS is simply the best bar I've found for that.

[Lee Baucum]

Does anyone have suggestions for a good quality bar?

You can purchase a John Pearse bar right here on the Forum.

[John Swain]

I've been using Pearse bars for about 15 years and I've v them.

[Rick Aiello]

Another vote for the Pearse from the SGF store . They are 400 series stainless steel that has been heat treated (very hard) and cryogenically treated to convert any remaining austenite. (Soft steel phase) into martensite ( hard steel phase) …

[Erv Niehaus]

Keep your eyes peeled, every once in a while there's one for sale here on the Forum.

[Donny Hinson]

Another alternative is a Jim Dunlop stainless bar. (Best used with nickel-wrap strings.)
They come in 7/8" and 1" diameters.

https://www.jimdunlop.com/products/acce ... -tonebars/




"...but am looking for something cooler."

Newsflash!
Nobody cares what kind of bar you use.

[Per Berner]

+1 for the John Pearse cryogenic bars. It feels and sounds just as good as my BJS (just different diameters).

[Rick Grieco]

Michael Hillman makes great powder coated bars in different sizes and colors. They're easy to hold onto and sound great. On top of that, he's a pleasure to deal with. I've been using mine for about a year and love it!