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Author
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Topic: Bar Size: 7/8 vs. 15/16 ?
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Bob Snelgrove
Member From: san jose, ca
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posted 04 February 2003 07:37 AM
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I've been using a 12 string 7/8 BJS bar for years (on 10 string guitars). Thinking of trying a 15/16". Anybody switch? Also, Does TW use a 15/16"? (Not that that affects me, just looked like a bigger bar on the Oprey.bob |
Larry Bell
Member From: Englewood, Florida
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posted 04 February 2003 08:12 AM
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It's amazing how much difference that 1/16" makes to me. It's just the perfect size for my hands. BUT . . . it's a very personal decision since not all players' hands are the same size and not all hold the bar in the same way.YES, I have switched from 7/8 to 15/16" and it works great for me, but I strongly recommend you try to find one to try out if at all possible. And, also from my perspective, there's nothing like a BJS. ------------------
Larry Bell - email: larry@larrybell.org - gigs - Home Page
2000 Fessenden S-12 8x8, 1969 Emmons S-12 6x6, 1971 Dobro |
Erv Niehaus
Member From: Litchfield, MN, USA
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posted 04 February 2003 12:15 PM
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Do you think the 15/16 bar would work for someone with kind of small hands? I love my 7/8 BJS bar but kind of want to try the 15/16 one.
Erv |
Jon Light
Member From: Brooklyn, NY
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posted 04 February 2003 12:23 PM
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Obviously my mileage only......I went from 7/8" to 1" to 15/16" over around a four year period (12 string). I am real settled in with the 15/16. It feels just right for me. I have fairly small hands. I actually liked the 1" but started wishing for a little less weight/mass. So my no.1 bar is BJS 15/16, no.2 is Burden Bullet 15/16" that is a little bit hollowed out and lighter, no.3 is BJS 1". |
Reggie Duncan
Member From: Mississippi
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posted 04 February 2003 03:22 PM
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My story is exactly like Jon's. The BJS 15/16" is the right feel and the right tone, for me. But, I still sell more 7/8" than any other size. |
Don Walters
Member From: Regina, SK, Canada
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posted 05 February 2003 06:43 AM
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My experience is almost identical to Jon Light's. I have fairly small hands, and very dry skin, and always struggled between the 7/8" size and the 1" weight. I bought a 15/16" in April '02 and just realized about a week ago that I just pick it up and play. I am amazed at the difference it makes to my comfort in playing. I'm no longer conscious of trying to hold onto the bar.
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John Bechtel
Member From: Nashville, Tennessee,U.S.A.
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posted 05 February 2003 10:34 PM
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I've used 7/8" 10str. bars of various brands since about '56 and just about 3mos. ago, purchased a 15/16" BJS 10str. bar. The very moment I placed the bar on the strings, I knew this is the bar that I will be using on my 10str. guitars from now on! I immediately noticed an unbelieveable improvement in both tone and sustain! My guess is that the sleight increase in weight makes the difference, without the sleightly oversized feel of a 1" bar! Believe me, try it; you'll like it! "Big John" http://community.webtv.net/KeoniNui/BigJohnBechtels |
Donny Hinson
Member From: Balto., Md. U.S.A.
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posted 06 February 2003 07:13 PM
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I use different sizes, but I don't notice much difference in the sound. Speed? Yes. Sound, no. In my own mind, a big heavy bar forces you to play smoother, and a small light bar lets you play faster. I have 8 or 10 bars that range from 9/16" to 1 1/4" in diameter. |
Tim Rowley
Member From: Pinconning, MI, USA
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posted 15 February 2003 12:57 AM
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A 15/16" no-jewel BJS is what I have been using for the past 3 years or so. Feels better in my hand, better tone too. IMHO it's the next best thing to a steel that plays itself.Tim R. |
David Spires
Member From: Nashville, TN USA
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posted 20 February 2003 10:30 AM
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Well, for me I'll give you a vote for the 7/8". I have used a 7/8" for several years (BJS of course), and bought a 15/16" at St. Louis this past year (even used it on the show). I like the slightly bolder tone I get from the heavier bar, but after months of using it - I switched back to my 7/8" for good. Two reasons --- I can move my 7/8" more quickly, and most importantly, I am more exact with the intonation with the 7/8" bar.There are times with the 15/16", that I could swear I was in the correct position, but slightly out of tune. I just seem to be able to pin-point the accuracy of my 7/8" bar better. Intonation wins out for me in this case. Obviously, there are a lot of players who don't have this problem, but if it is something you notice yourself after making a switch... don't be afraid to change back. Always BJS, David Spires |
Winnie Winston
Member From: Tawa, Wellington, NZ
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posted 20 February 2003 07:19 PM
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I was given a chromed 1" many years ago. I recalled that Jophn Hughey used a larger dia. bar.
I was ploaying a gig where the house turned over, so we played two identical sets. I used the 3/4 bar on the first set and the 1" on the second. The band asked if I had changed my tone settings or something, because the steel sure did sound better the second set.
That was enough for me. I've been using it since.JW
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