Now, I Want a Bender. Which One?

OK, this increased talk about benders lately has me wanting to build a bender Tele, but I'm pretty ignorant of the pros and cons of each type. Heck, I really don't know much about any type of bender. What are the different types and what are the benefits and drawbacks of each? I'd like to make an informed decision before I start chiseling up a perfectly good Tele body...

Well, a Hipshot is a great place to start, to see if you're really going to use it and work it into your playing. No need for "chiseling up a perfectly good Tele body" with a Hipshot. Installs in minutes and really works well. Pricing is very affordable and if you decide it's not your cup of tea, you could easily get your money back and no real harm done to your favorite tele.

I have a hipshot and love it.... but I won't really be 'happy' until I have Brian install a PW in a tele I've been tinkering on for a year... I gotta get it done!

hipshot for me all the way...as said, no mutilation, it's a self install in minutes, 1/4 the price of internal bender, and additional benders are easily added to the unit ...a BIG + is no shipping off and then impatiently waiting to get yer guitar back....it ain't just about the price point for me, i have two guitars with internal installed benders....i just like the hipshot better...good luck on your choice of benders...

Hipshot.
If you decide at a later date you like benders and want a P/W then you can sell the Hipshot and your Tele will be none the worse off. Also the Hipshot is a lower cost introduction to benders. Another option, if you have a guitar equipped with a Stop Tailpiece, you can pick up an EZ Bender.

How about other types? I know WD used to sell bodies routed for a bender of some sort and I often though about ordering one. Never got around to it. Too many projects, guitar and other, going on.

e, Hipshots are very good pieces of equipment, but they are a different animal than the Parsons/White style. The lever that actuates the bender sticks out of the bottom(heel) of the body with the Hipshot. The strap button on the upper body is the actuator for the Parsons/White. It's a different motion to bend notes for those two. I agree that Hipshots are a breeze to install, and require no routing. and cost about $150. P/W's require major routing, and cost $600-$1000 installed(depending on where you get them). I own both(and a Glaser), and prefer the P/W. The Glaser is another strap activated system(the upper strap is connected to a small lever that is attached to the neck plate), and cost about $600 installed. There are quite a few different benders available, and the folks here can give you some great advise on the ups, and downs of each, I'm sure.

In my opinion, the best thing would probably be try to get your hands on a couple different types, and see which works best for you. Good Luck!

In my opinion, the best thing would probably be try to get your hands on a couple different types, and see which works best for you. Good Luck!For sure, that's the best option. The problem is, I don't know anyone who has either...:sad:

e-merlin, find a major music store and see if they have a Fender Nashville B bender in stock. They have been discontinued, but; they come with a Parsons Green installed from the factory. The Sam Ash in Sarasota, Florida has had one for months, so I know they are still out there. Parsons Green's are strap activated and although they are not as smooth as a Parsons White, they will give you an idea of its operation.