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Bar Durability-Stainless Steel
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The Steel Guitar Forum
Bar Chatter Archive
Bar Durability-Stainless Steel
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This topic was originally posted in this forum: Wanted To Buy |
| Author | Topic: Bar Durability-Stainless Steel |
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Jeff A. Smith Member Posts: 807 |
posted 17 April 2001 05:19 PM
This was hinted at in another current thread, and I've done a little searching, but would still like a little more clarification: I just went to a 1"--3+3/4 stainless Dunlop bar. I was a little disappointed to see that the new bar began quickly to develop tiny marks and string drag. I was told stainless bars last a lifetime, as opposed to chrome bars, which need replaced occassionally although they are harder. I was also told that stainless bars shouldn't require any maintenance. What about the wear that is already developing? Is this to be expected? Should I polish with Simichrome or something? |
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Jack Stoner Sysop Posts: 8119 |
posted 17 April 2001 05:43 PM
The BJS bar, which is chrome plated, will last a lifetime and is impervious to scratches and dropping on concrete floors. I don't recall ever seeing claims that a stainless steel would not scratch or damage if dropped on a hard (concrete) floor. |
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Gary L. Jones Member Posts: 48 |
posted 17 April 2001 06:04 PM
I too have a 1" Dunlop S/S Bar. But I also Have two BJS tone bars, ONE of which I have had for 15 yrs. AND TODAY, IT STILL DON'T HAVE THE "DRAG" THAT THE DUNLOP HAS.GET YOU A GOOD TONE BAR---you won't be sorry. EMMONS LASHLEY LeGRANDE III D-10, PEAVEY NASHVILLE400, N'VILLE 1000. |
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Lyle Bradford Member Posts: 594 |
posted 17 April 2001 06:47 PM
I had a BJS bar which started to pit for some reason and i had it for a while. Got hold of the BJS people and they replaced it imediatley! I say BJS all the way. |
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John Paul Jones Member Posts: 305 |
posted 17 April 2001 07:29 PM
I used a BJS bar for about three years, then the chrome wore through all around the heel of the bar. I'm still using the bar occassionally. But, they WILL wear through sometimes. Mine did. JPJ |
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Jeff A. Smith Member Posts: 807 |
posted 17 April 2001 07:38 PM
Thanks for the advice. As much as they are talked about here, I'm sure the BJS is a great bar. Maybe after I'm sure about the size I want to settle down with, I'll get one. I'm still wondering about this stainless steel thing, though. If it costs more than chrome, but isn't as hard, why does anybody want it? Is the tone much different? |
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Gary Pederson Member Posts: 70 |
posted 17 April 2001 07:51 PM
The stainless bars can be taken to a jeweler, who can polish out the scratches. This way they last forever. Once plating wears off a plated bar, its finished. |
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Donny Hinson Member Posts: 9192 |
posted 17 April 2001 07:51 PM
I don't detect any tone difference with most of the good bars. The chrome is inclined to chip sometimes, and anything will wear eventually, as others have stated. Most anyone who can afford a steel and amp can afford to buy a bar every few years. Be advised the stainless bars are good if they are made from the right grade of stainless, and then polished properly. Also, a stainless bar can be repolished, if necessary. Keep in mind that old strings are hard on the bar. The more often you change strings, the longer your bars will last. But, if you get a few years' use out your bar, be happy (and then get a new one!) "Wear" is marks that you can feel. If you see some very light marks, but can't "feel" them with your fingernail, they shouldn't bother you. [This message was edited by Donny Hinson on 17 April 2001 at 07:56 PM.] |
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Gary Walker Member Posts: 1446 |
posted 17 April 2001 08:16 PM
Chuck Wright made me a stainless bar 35 years ago and I have used it all of that time and it still looks as good as new. There may be different grades of stainless. I know this one is of good quality and it has been dropped a few times and keeps on ticking, Gary |
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BobbeSeymour Member Posts: 5664 |
posted 18 April 2001 08:10 AM
You guys are missing the biggest point of all. Stainless bars on stainless strings dont work.Period. If you cant hear and feel the diffrence between hard chrome and stainless bars on stainless steel strings,you shouldnt even be reading this.HARD CHROME is the only way to go on S. S. strings. If you have trouble holding your bar and drop it often and chip it up,buy another bar.and get some experince learning to hold it.Be a good steel player, not a good bar dropper. S.S. is OK for amature or training perposes or players that cant tell the diffrence,NOT for professionals. IF YOU WANT A STAINLESS STEEL BAR USE NICKEL STRINGS! STAINLESS STRINGS NEED HARD CHROME BARS ! Bobbe |
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ScoobyDoo unregistered Posts: 5664 |
posted 18 April 2001 08:26 AM
Uh Oh! |
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BobbeSeymour Member Posts: 5664 |
posted 18 April 2001 08:26 AM
It does'nt matter who makes the bars, Dunlop is fine, BJS is OK,Not majic! The rules are as written above in the last post of mine. It's not who makes the bar but what the bar is made of,common sense will tell you this! Bobbe |
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Lee Baucum Member Posts: 3201 |
posted 18 April 2001 10:33 AM
Bobby - I'm in the market for a new bar. Although I usually don't use stainless steel strings, tell me why a stainless steel bar won't work. Also, which, in your opinion, should one use with nickle strings? Chrome or Stainless? Thanks in advance. Lee, from South Texas |
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BobbeSeymour Member Posts: 5664 |
posted 18 April 2001 10:56 AM
Either will work with nickel strings,chrome or S.S.. Two objects in contact with each other made of the same material have a tendency to adhere or stick to each other. Bearings in auto engines are only one of thousands of applications that demonstrate this Phenomenon. (bronze,aganst cast iron,Example). My airplane has chrome cylinder bores with aluminum pistons. Chrome cylinders cannot be used with chrome rings on the pistons,(identicial materials). Chrome bars work best,'till we can find somthing harder that is affordable.The other fads will come and go,just like they have since steel guitar started. Bobbe Seymour |
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BobbeSeymour Member Posts: 5664 |
posted 18 April 2001 11:07 AM
P.S. Also ,dont use a nickel bar on nickel strings or chrome bar on chrome strings,if you can even find chrome strings any more.(these are very breakable,i.e.brittle). Cobra Coil strings are very compatable with all common bar materials,as are Geo. L strings. BUT, chrome still has the edge on eleminating "bar drag". Bobbe |
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Lee Baucum Member Posts: 3201 |
posted 18 April 2001 08:19 PM
Thanks, Bobbe. It's obvious that we can learn more than just steel guitar stuff on this forum. I didn't realize that objects made of the same material tend to stick to each other. Hmmm. Maybe that explains why you shouldn't nap in a leather recliner while wearing shorts! Lee, from South Texas |
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chas smith Member Posts: 3168 |
posted 18 April 2001 09:06 PM
ever wake up with your tongue stuck to the rug? |
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BobbeSeymour Member Posts: 5664 |
posted 18 April 2001 11:18 PM
Somtimes I think I'm funny, but Ive never said anything funnier than these last two posts! Lee and Chas,You missed your calling! Bobbe |
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Marco Schouten Member Posts: 920 |
posted 18 April 2001 11:29 PM
...........I allways thought my wife sticked to me 'cause I'm a man.......... ------------------ |
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Jeff A. Smith Member Posts: 807 |
posted 19 April 2001 06:57 AM
Thanks Bobbe, for shooting straight from the hip. You're a rare and valuable fellow. I appreciate evertone else's input,too. I think I understand this now. |
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