New Hipshot B-Bender Installed!

Installed my Hipshot B-Bender Standard on my Baja Tele yesterday. Thought about notching the bridge, only because it would have been easier, but installed it the correct way by drilling the ashtray. It all fits and works perfectly, was an easy install. (Except for those pesky split rings, big fun they are until one figures out how to manipulate them.) I had never played a bender guitar before, but knew that it was a sound I desired. Got about an hour in on playing it, it's amazing to be able to make those sounds! One question: I used the springs even though they are not needed. Any reason/advantage to their removal? They do look cool.

Welcome aboard with your Bender guitar. These things are a lot of fun and very useful musically. How 'bout a shot of your guitar. Did you get the G-bender also or just the B-Bender?..........JH in Va.

I installed the B-Bender and Drop-E setup, what they call the Hipshot Standard. Here is a photo:
http://www.tdpri.com/telephoto/data/1097/medium/bbb.JPG

Those springs do give you a little extra push down on the strings, since they have less tension than the ones going though the body.

An advantage to not have them is...uh... if you wear shirts that are poofy at the wrists, they won't get hung up in the hooks.

Hello.
I have never had in my hand a guitar, with a Hipshot B-Bender.
Is control more complicated that a b-bender is activated with the belt?

Did you use the two screws provided to fix to the body,or just the strap button screw? I am about to install the same setup on my Esquire but unsure whether to mark the guitar body with extra holes in case I wish to remove the bender at some stage.

Those springs do give you a little extra push down on the strings, since they have less tension than the ones going though the body.
An advantage to not have them is...uh... if you wear shirts that are poofy at the wrists, they won't get hung up in the hooks.
--The springs are resting against the mouting plate and are not interacting with the string in any way.
--No Poofy shirts being worn around here.

Hello.
I have never had in my hand a guitar, with a Hipshot B-Bender.
Is control more complicated that a b-bender is activated with the belt?
--Bender is activated with a bar pressing against ones body. Activation can't get much simpler. Does not require attachment to a belt or any article of clothing, not even a poofy shirt.

Did you use the two screws provided to fix to the body,or just the strap button screw? I am about to install the same setup on my Esquire but unsure whether to mark the guitar body with extra holes in case I wish to remove the bender at some stage.
--I only used the strap holder slot, with a longer screw and a star lock washer. I am sure it's not going to move. Mounting is completely reversible.

Hello.
I have never had in my hand a guitar, with a Hipshot B-Bender.
Is control more complicated that a b-bender is activated with the belt?

The belt operated bender is usually for the G string bend via a toggle, B Benders of the Parsons/White or Parsons/Green type as factory installed by Fender, are activated via the front strap button by pushing down on the guitar neck.

Thank you for this information....13ontheB

I have already play with a Fender Guitar equipped with a b-bender, but for only a few minutes.
A few times, the weight of the guitar, operated the b-bender without my consent... especially, when I moved, and that I was standing. This b-bender was perhaps not adjust... I really don't know.
The idea of manufactured a b-bender (home made) operate by a metal rod, and who would be supported on the side of my body, seemed good. A bit in the type of the Hipshot system.
It is sufficient to move the guitar of somewhat by forward and b bender works well.
My second prototype will be ready in a few time, and I look forward to see it in action.
I need to practice a little.
I viewed some video Will Ray... ((unbelievable))

I've played the hipshot on the will ray. It has the two screw holes to stabilize the b-bender. I've also played a tele with a hipshot installed without using the two stabilizer screw holes. I didn't notice it caused a problem, but I would rather have the stabilizer screws there.

BTW I just put a Will Ray Tele with the hipshot b-bender in the classifieds. See link:
http://www.tdpri.com/phpclassifieds/showproduct.php?product=28805

Hi, In the past I have bought an incomplete old version Hipshot. Last month I have bought a Telecaster clone (J&D) with a toploader bridge for this Hipshot bender project. The Hipshot doesn't have springs for the E and B strings. But as I read your posts well it ain't necessary. I'm missing the metal rod of the B string. Does anybody have the measurements of this rod? I could use a screwdriver. :lol: Any suggestions? Is it correct that this old bender cannot be placed in the center of the bridge? I only have one screw. Should I adjust the metal benders?
Please see the pics. Greetz from the Netherlands.

The springs aren't as necessary if you drill the hole thru the back of the ashtray bridge.

If you make a notch, the springs will give you the needed downforce. Sure doesn't hurt to have them on anyway.

Hi Telex76, Thanks for your post. My ashtray is also a toploader so I don't have to drill any holes ;-). Anybody a suggestion for an alternative bar (B-string)?
Best whishes from the Lowlands.

Hipshots work brilliantly, and are cheap and non invasive.
My only "tip" would be to use a slightly heavier gauge B/second string.
I use a .016 with great results.

...Does anybody have the measurements of this rod? I could use a screwdriver. :lol: Any suggestions?

HhZk1o8rVic

At the 2:00 mark, Alex Madsen says that he uses the pin from a trailer hitch or something of that sort.

And, if it doesn't work, you can take it back to Canadian Tire and throw it through the window (Canadians over 40 will get that reference.)

The hex bar is best, as it allows you to adjust the bar's distance from your hip. I have mine set very close to my body, and all it takes is a slight push out on the neck to make it work. How much does Hipshot want for a replacement? Maybe just make and bend one out of round bar stock?

taken one of my HipShot units and used a hex wrench of the same size as the lever and just stuck it in from the top and facing it forward. That way you can use it just like a palm pedal and push down on it to activate the B-Bender.......JH in Va.