loosening spring tension on P/G bender

Hey guys I'm new here and I just got my Nashville B Bender.I'm lovin' it big time but I find the spring tension a bit too hard for pulling.Is there a way to loosen this slightly that I missing.

Thanks,
Duffy

Change the spring to a lighter one or simply put a spacer on the spring.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/Dogbear/IMG_4061.jpg

Thanks for the info Dogbear.You're right either way should do the trick.
Duffy

If you use the search function there are many past threads on this subject.

The problem with arbitrarily attaching a spacer or trying a weaker spring is that it may not return properly - and depending on ho the extension is atached or the type of replacement spring (or it's diameter and/or the size of its end hooks) it may make quite a bit of noise.

There are vendors on the forum that make spring tension adjustment mechanisms - I'm not sure if they are available for the PG bender but it's worth a search. A fully adjustable spring is a huge advantage - not only can you set the "balance point" to avoid accidental pulls but always return properly, you can set the tension extremely loose in seconds, which is great to do when playing seated. It also allows you to play around with a wide variety of string gages - each gage will have a different tension and there are even some variations between alloys used for plain strings.

The "Extension" type idea works OK on a Parsons White by simply moving the spring attachment screw - one of mine has about 6-7 different screw holes from testing optimum settings. You don't have that luxury with the PG and each change and test is quite involved - so investigating af termarket adjustment devices would seem the best route. I'm visualizing ones tha have been added on to PW installations - they are basically variations on Dave Evans' Pull String Spring Adjuster. Wth a PG it would ust be attached to the plate instead of the body.

The search option could be your best friend in this case.

Good luck! I know every PG I've played was very stiff, so I hope you find a workable solution.

Most P/G springs are very stiff. On the four that I have modded (one Fender, and three Hipshots), I have had no problems with return or noise (squeaks, clunks or otherwise). I have never seen a spring tension adjustment mechanism for the P/G, although I'm sure that one could be created. Once I installed the spacer to obtain the desired pull, there was no real reason for me to adjust the bender again. I agree my P/W is more adaptable, but once I set the tension on that pull, I have not changed it either.

Loosening tension to almost zero when sitting was an idea I got from Mur, who takes the springs OFF his PW's wen playing seated - the string itself has just enough tension.

So the tension adjuster on the Pull String is even more handy, since you can se the tension very precisely to your taste - some like "on the edge" tension (like me), others prefer a stiff pull; some prefer it super-tight because they move around a lot, use the bender sparingly and don't want any accidental bends. After playing with full adjustment capabilities for several years I could never go back to "single tension" benders...and need to adapt a tension adjuster to my PW (it'll be far easier to work with than all the screw holes I put in the back!).

Thanks for the info Silverface.It'll give me lots to think about.
Duffy

Has anybody got any pictures of a "spring tension adjustment mechanism" or similar device??

I made a simple B bender similar to the parsons ones, but its to light to stand up with for a whole gig.

I was thinking of adding another spring for extra tension that could then be released (cant think how yet) as i like the tension its at right now for sitting down.

my problem sounds similar to the one here, so i thought id ask here before starting a new thread.

Any pictures on how to quickly add tension with an extra spring with the ability to release it when sitting down? Still not been able to find one of these string tensioners yet.

That's because there is not one out there for the P/G. Not that it couldn't be done, but there would be such little demand for it that there would be little money to be made producing it.

There are some custom built versions for the P/W that adjust from the back of the guitar, but I don't know of anyway who installs them.