The BJS Difference

BJS Bars are the preferred choice of professional and amateur steel guitarist around the world. They are the result of a meticulous process that begins with a premium, select grade of steel. Bars are then built to detailed specifications at each step in that process. While being made, every bar is individually inspected many times ensuring that it conforms to  the highest level of quality.  Superior Steel, Superior Manufacturing, Superior Surface Preparation and Superior Finish  Together these things make a lasting difference in the way BJS Bars sound and perform.

Experience the difference.  Sound Better, Play Better.... BJS Bars! 
BJS Bars, Who we are today....
BJS Bars is located in the West Tennessee community of Three Way, just North of Jackson.  I am Butch Gardner.  Me and my wife Deborah  own and operate the business from  a newly constructed shop located  here at our residence.  We acquired the business in 2011 from its founder Bill Sroud and his wife Shirley.  Bill and I had worked together for many years and became close friends.  When he fell ill with cancer and eventually knew his days were numbered, he approached me about buying the business and carrying on his legacy.  We had often discussed the possibility, and his hope that if he ever decided to sell, I would be his successor.  Of course, we never considered that it would happen under the most difficult circumstances that it did. But here we are. 

So for me it began on a Thursday evening in July of 2011, when I made a commitment to Bill that I would carry on with the business that he started and loved. 
Bill Stroud and how it all started
Bill Stroud started playing steel guitar at a young age, and was an active and accomplished player for the rest of his life.  As a profession, Bill designed and built specialized tooling used in the metal forming industry.  This background provided him with the knowledge and capability to build a superior tone bar. One that uniquely fit the needs of both player and instrument. 

Not satisfied with bars that were commercially available, Bill went to work. He did not quit until he had made a bar that met his own uncompromising expectations. Soon he made another, and then a few more for close friends.  It was obvious that he was on to something.

So in 1975 Bill started his business. He met everyone with a smile, a cheerful voice, and a firm handshake.  He was a genuinely good man and had developed a superior product ....  

​That was the beginning of BJS Steel Guitar Bars.