best bender action: P/W vs. P/G vs. Glaser

[quackattack]

I am thinking of replacing my P/G bender mechanism. I'd like a lighter, easier and smoother bender action.

Has anyone compared all 3?

My options are:

1] retrofit a P/W using the P/G string tower [the standard P/W puller knob will not line up w/ the existing hole]

2] retrofit a glaser and use a plastic to cover back rout.

3] add a longer spring to existing P/W [will make easier, but no weight reduction].

Please advise.

[JohnnyAtomic]

it might be easier to get a new body w/ a bender already in it. like one from bill bores of steelbender innovations. or a prefinished one from WD
www.steelbenderinnovations.com[/url]

[quackattack]

Johnny you may be right, a new body could be the most viable option.

I'm working w/ Bill Bores, and he 's layed out the above options. . What a great guy and valuble resource. I plan on working through him whichever route I decide to go.

Even if I buy a new body....which bender is the smoothest and works requires the lightest neck pull......P/G vs. P/W vs. Glaser?

[JohnnyAtomic]

how difficult the bender is to engage is usually a matter of adjustment. most if not all benders have a way to adjust how much tension is on the spring the keeps the bender in the inactive position.
johnny atomic

[Silverface]

Having played all three - the P/W is the smoothest. Both the P/W and the Glaser have tension adjustments, but for smooth legato bends the P/W is superior. The Glaser has more of an on-off switch feel to it - fine if you're playing machine-gun country leads but not so good for the Clarence White/Bob Warford/Bernie Leadon/Al Perkins etc type of stuff.

[Rick Towne]

I have a long throw P/W from Larry Miletich (2002) and a b Glaser (1992) and b/g Glaser (1994). I can easily do the long bends with the Glaser with much less effort than the P/W, although I'm still working on adjusting the spring tension on the latter. However, I can't do the quicker bends on the P/W, nor as easily do licks that involve holding the bend (with the guitar neck pointing away) at the whole step up position. We'll compare notes this coming Saturday.....