How would I install a B-Bender?

Are they relatively cheap or easy to install?

Has anyone done it that has any recommendations?

There are a couple of relatively inexpensive external benders you could install yourself, like hipshot or Timara.


For the internal higher end Benders I recommend Charlie Mcvay or Bill Bores but would not recommend self installation.

Don't forget Gene Parsons at www.stringbender.com. He was one of the inventors. Great guy to email with. Outstanding quality stuff.

There are a couple of relatively inexpensive external benders you could install yourself, like hipshot or Timara.

For the internal higher end Benders I recommend Charlie Mcvay or Bill Bores but would not recommend self installation.

Thanks a ton. Is there a lot of variation in tone for internal vs external? Or is it mostly a cost difference?

(If the sound or reliability of an internal is better I'd probably opt to buy a higher end one and have a shop install it for me.)

call forrest lee jr. its some of the best money ive spent in years!!

I think was the question was is it hard-easy to install YOURSELF....Not who can do it, right?

TAQ, if you have a template, it is an easy job, with they right tools, but if you don't have the skills, you can ruin a guitar. Wd music has pre routed bodies and Bill Bores PW style kits that are easy to install, hope this helps.

Tonally they may or may not have an effect - there are so many variables involved that there really is no single answer, except that the few that have rear chambers covering the mechanism seem to gain an extra resonance that sounds very full.

I suggest taking NO brand or installer recommendations yet - not that I'm dissing any of the mechanisms or installers, but it sounds like you really don't know much about the machine types or what the different ones do at all.

There are dozens of threads here with pictures of typical installations - and each type is different. Also, similar types of mechanisms can vary widely in quality, depending on how tight the tolerance is as far as parts manufacturing and the skill of the installer.

Different types also lend themselves to different styles of playing; some are more of an "effect" - used as a quick on-off switch from one note to another; others are played as totally different musical instruments.

Your basic couple of questions have hundreds of answers. I'd suggest taking the following approach:

1. Use the search function. You will find hours worth of reading - and it's probably a good idea to spend at LEAST a couple of hours reading.

2. Have you ever played ANY type of bender? If not, find someplace that stocks Fender's Nashville B-Bender, or see if you can find a local player through your searches...most will welcome players who want to take a "test drive".

3. Use Google Not just to find websites, but hit the "images" button and look at all the different types of installations.

4. Understand that not all (in fact not most) "installers" are "manufacturers". The first thing to decide on once you understand what you are getting yourself into and what general style of bender you think you want is what brand (the actual maker of the hardware). THEN decide, if it's a type that needs professional installation (and the high-end ones almost universally do) which installer of the type you prefer you *think* you'd prefer...but contact, if possible, 2 or 3 installers and talk to them to get a feel for the "service" end (some are only installed by the manufacturer - and if there's a similar type made/installed by only one source make that contact as well). The more actual installers you talk to the better a "feel" you'll get for the person you'll be dealing with, and you'll probably get many questions answered regarding the process.

It's a wide-ranging subject, and simply asking about cost and if it's an easy do it yourself project could get you into a deep hole real fast!

"How would I install a B-Bender?"

VERY Carefully!

Tonally they may or may not have an effect - there are so many variables involved that there really is no single answer, except that the few that have rear chambers covering the mechanism seem to gain an extra resonance that sounds very full.

I suggest taking NO brand or installer recommendations yet - not that I'm dissing any of the mechanisms or installers, but it sounds like you really don't know much about the machine types or what the different ones do at all.

There are dozens of threads here with pictures of typical installations - and each type is different. Also, similar types of mechanisms can vary widely in quality, depending on how tight the tolerance is as far as parts manufacturing and the skill of the installer.

Different types also lend themselves to different styles of playing; some are more of an "effect" - used as a quick on-off switch from one note to another; others are played as totally different musical instruments.

Your basic couple of questions have hundreds of answers. I'd suggest taking the following approach:

1. Use the search function. You will find hours worth of reading - and it's probably a good idea to spend at LEAST a couple of hours reading.

2. Have you ever played ANY type of bender? If not, find someplace that stocks Fender's Nashville B-Bender, or see if you can find a local player through your searches...most will welcome players who want to take a "test drive".

3. Use Google Not just to find websites, but hit the "images" button and look at all the different types of installations.

4. Understand that not all (in fact not most) "installers" are "manufacturers". The first thing to decide on once you understand what you are getting yourself into and what general style of bender you think you want is what brand (the actual maker of the hardware). THEN decide, if it's a type that needs professional installation (and the high-end ones almost universally do) which installer of the type you prefer you *think* you'd prefer...but contact, if possible, 2 or 3 installers and talk to them to get a feel for the "service" end (some are only installed by the manufacturer - and if there's a similar type made/installed by only one source make that contact as well). The more actual installers you talk to the better a "feel" you'll get for the person you'll be dealing with, and you'll probably get many questions answered regarding the process.

It's a wide-ranging subject, and simply asking about cost and if it's an easy do it yourself project could get you into a deep hole real fast!

Thanks a million. I like all the suggestions. Gotta play one first, see if I like it. If I do, then see about researching types and then finally cost of installing on my main tele vs buying a new Nashville.

What tele and b bender do you use or play on frequently?

I played a Fender Parsons Greene as mu first bender for white a few years as I learned bender licks. This was my main guitar for about a decade. I added a Timara B AND G bender to another tele as a spare. The non invasive Timara bender simply replaces the existing tele bridge with one having B and G Benders. Good hands free operation, unlike palm pedals that make you compromise your picking style to actuate. TIMARA Benders were about $200a when I bought mine, not sure what they are now. www.guitarpickle.com
I just dropped off my favorite tele to Charlie Mcvay about two weeks ago for a B bender. His machining is flawless and he has incredible attention to detail. He's also a genuinely great guy. Www.mcvaybenders.com

!!!!