I'm really starting to like the Hipshot...

I have played benders for about 15 years. I have owned a Parsons White, a P/W clone by Bores, a hipshot, a higgins, and bigsby palm pedals. Due to chronic left shoulder pain issues I had phased b-bending out of my playing. But I really miss the bender!
I have owned a hipshot before but never really liked them, or got used to using them.

Recently I bought a simple will ray model (B bender only) and decided to give it some time. Well after a few weeks I am really warming up to this bender! I have most all my bender skills back and the band-leader commented that my bender licks were sounding great. I am activating the bender by using my hip and pressure inward from my right forearm which leaves my left hand and shoulder free. I also noticed the inward motion from my right arm does not affect my picking/right hand. Also when I do not want to bend I simply remove the end rod.

I have heard negative comments that they are more like an on/off switch but I think that is not the case. With a little practice I was making nice slow musical bends.

All in all, I am really starting to enjoy bending with a hipshot.

I'm with ya bigsmokey! Had a Glaser, really miss it, but bought a Hipshot a couple months ago. I too am getting used to it and agree that it's every bit as funtional as the others. The thing that I'm trying to get used to is using the Hipshot in conjunction with the volume pedal, which I never had much problem with the Glaser. Guess I gotta practice more!

Reading this thread really makes me want to put my hipshot on a guitar again.

Maybe the next restring...:cool:

I've asked this a couple of times but hadn't seen a response so I'll try again. apologies.

Is there any online info on Hipshots? Videos of how it works? Videos of how it sounds? Etc.

Thanks!

It's called B-Bender Mania and is very informative and enjoyable. He shows you exactly what can be gotten with a HipShot unit.

Will, if you see this, are those videos still available? I have one on VHS but I don't know if they're on DVD............JH in Va.

I've asked this a couple of times but hadn't seen a response so I'll try again. apologies.

Is there any online info on Hipshots? Videos of how it works? Videos of how it sounds? Etc.

Thanks!

You can youtube Will Ray and look at a cool video of him from NAMM playing a turquoise G & L. At least you can see one in action. I love mine. No modifications and it works and sounds great.

"Will, if you see this, are those videos still available? I have one on VHS but I don't know if they're on DVD............JH in Va."

You can still get them off of Ebay on DVD straight from Will and Gayle. I just got the Stealth Slide one with the little slide, and it's great. I've actually been using one a lot lately.

You can youtube Will Ray and look at a cool video of him from NAMM playing a turquoise G & L. At least you can see one in action.


Thanks. I think I saw that vid during a search once before.

But there certainly doesn't seem to be a lot of info out there ... compared to the 'traditional' B-Bender, of course.

I just might do it (someday).