B-Benders

[Philcguitars]

Well I guess B-Bender will have to post on this one!

I'm thinking of fitting a B-Bender to an existing guitar or building one as a project in the future. Following the posts the other week.

So. How many different mechanical types of B-Bender or Bender are there?

Also, how many outlets sell the mechanisms. So far I can only find them at W.D. Music. Obviously I could by a Fender one, attached to a Factory guitar, but I'm looking for options.

Does a B-Bender only ever get fitted to Tele's?

[Bezmotivnik]

Obviously I could by a Fender one, attached to a Factory guitar, but I'm looking for options.

Here's mine.

I never modify instruments, and didn't have any big need for a B-Bender, but I saw this box-stock unit at a Guitar Center sale for $599.99 (new) several years ago, so I bought it entirely out of curiosity, and the knowledge that that was a great price for a US-built Telecaster irrespective of the OEM Parsons-Green device. It's the natively best-sounding Telecaster I've ever owned, though it's very heavy -- and for that reason I almost never play it.

I have to say that whatever the particular unit, very few B-Bender players I've heard (including some "experts") play them well -- the tendency being toward a too-slow and late bend -- and a badly-played B-Bender is a really awful thing to listen to.

[Philcguitars]

Thanks for your feedback.

So far I have established the existance of the Parsons/Green, Hip-shot and Shelton units, and that you can get one for an LP.

Keep 'em coming!

[B Bent]

Anyone know some good examples of songs where a b bender is used?

Ten Years Gone


Also the solo part in All of My Love by Zep.

Those are 2 that it seems everyone knows.

[Arrigus]

Anyone know some good examples of songs where a b bender is used?

I'd say Clarence White stuff with the Byrds is a must for the b-bender aficionado. I really like "Dr. Byrds and Mr. Hyde" album.

[theodie]

Anyone know some good examples of songs where a b bender is used?

About 50% of American country music.

[Philcguitars]

Hey guys we are going off topic! I know it's hard, but if you do know the answer to any of the 'original' questions make yourself heard amongst the flippery!

Has anyone checked out the Shelton? Seems neat in all respects!

http://www.mosbyguitars.com/shelton2.html

Have a Great weekend! I now I am!

[Butch Snyder]

Here's a great video of a B-G Bender in action by a good friend of mine.

The B-bender bends the B string a whole tone up and the G-bender bends the G string a 1/2 tone up. He uses the B-bender the way we're all used to seeing them used. The G-bender is used by a strap that goes around his waist and he pushes the guitar outward to engage it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxUiUN3C2B0

[Philcguitars]

Nice, clip!

[xicodelico]

now I know how it works...

[theodie]

now I know how it works...

Dude, that is an awsome avatar!

[Truant]

To answer some of your initial questions.

There are a few different types/manufactures of Benders.
There is the Parsons/White (the orginal as best I can tell)
http://www.stringbender.com/bender/classic.htm
(interesting note, it can be upgraded to a double b-g bender)

There is the Parsons/Green (simpler, and easier to manufacture version of Parsons/White) This is the unit on guitars that come from Fender tagged as the 'Fender Bender.'
http://www.hipshotproducts.com/cart....t_detail&p=221
http://www.stringbender.com/bender/classic.htm

Then there is the Hipshot no-route bender.
http://www.hipshotproducts.com/cart....duct_list&c=17
Our own B-Bent is using this one on his new Tele. No routing, bar is pressed against your body to do the bending instead of strap pull.

There is also a unit known as the Glaser. It is available as both a b-bender and a b/g-bender (with 2 straps for the double, standard guitar strap for b, and strap around the waist for g). This company does not have a website, but a quick google of Glaser bender came up with the contact info for the shop. (link to thread with info)
http://steelguitarforum.com/Forum5/HTML/003956.html

Your second question. Hipshot sells at least 2 of the models above, and the String Bender website sells two as well. StewMac sells one of the Parsons models. I'm sure there are more, I didn't really search much.

Finally, I know that the Parsons/White is available for Les Pauls. There may be more, but I didn't look.


Hope it helps.

[Philcguitars]

Hey Truant,

That was useful many thanks!

Still trying to work out how the Hipshot actually operates/actuates.

[Animal]

Anyone know some good examples of songs where a b bender is used?

A song that you might already know that uses one is Unforgiven II by Metallica.
James uses it during the clean part. Yeah, not the most extensive example but one you've probably heard before.

[Philcguitars]

I think I've got the Hip shot Sussed now. I must say what I like about it is the fact that I can bolt/un-bolt it! Though, for permanent installation with the least routing the Shelton is looking good too. Strangely it's apparently by a UK guy. Waiting to see where he is in the UK.

[Truant]

Glad I could help.

A random tidbit of difference between the Glaser/McVay and the two Parsons models is that the former are not intonatable at the saddle, as they drop through the guitar before the saddle (at least as best I can tell), while the two parsons models drop behind the saddles, allowing you to intonate them at the saddle.

Also, there are mixed reports of saddle wearing due to extensive use. If using a softer material (brass for example) you may experience this if you use the ever loving heck out of it. If you're using steel saddles, I doubt it's even noticeable. Again, this would only affect you if you use a bender that actually uses the saddle.

[Philcguitars]

Cheers for that,

I have access to a machine shop and lots of stainless steel should that be a problem. Plenty of time for thought, unless I go with the Hipshot bolt on/off. This'd be 3 project guitars down the line at the moment.

[Butch Snyder]

Here's another clip by my friend in Europe. It's a bit slower so you can really see what he's doing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvP4_...elated&search=

[Philcguitars]

Nice!

[H8Red442]

Ten Years Gone


Also the solo part in All of My Love by Zep.

Those are 2 that it seems everyone knows.

Never heard either of em.