B-bender

[maxwas]

I am really diggin' b-benders these days, i think they sound great, and would add a new dimension to playing.

I have been looking around with a view to buying an old tele and experimenting, but have been surprised at how pricey they are.

So, i was wondering if anyone on the forum has made their own, or has any good recommendations.

Thanks

[therhodeo]

McVay benders, which is what Brad Paisley uses, are only $600 for a single bender which isn't too pricey considering the quality of work.

[asatfan]

Go to the B-Bender page. More good info on B-Benders than anywhere on the planet. Seriously!

[superbadj]

I just checked out their website. I can't exactly figure how these benders work. I've seen external benders, and those installed in full rear body routing. But this says no visible body routing, yet nothing on the outside of the guitar.

Just curious.....

[crockes00]

hipshots arent that bad and leave no marks on the body you can take it on and off.

[jwells393]

For anyone interested in a Hipshot, the Standard model is actually cheaper from StewMac than directly from Hipshot.

[JayBee]

I am in the process of finishing off my homemade Tele b bender with self built mechanism based on the Parsons White design. Fortunately my trial and error efforts have been rewarded, as the bender works as planned.
A very taxing project with several setbacks. The routing involved is not for the inexperienced !!!.

Seriously consider less invasive benders like a Hipshot, Timara (there you are Tim, a mention!) or the headstock mounted Higgins, all available in, or to the UK at sensible costs.
Me being a glutton for punishment and an avid Clarence White fan had to do it the hard way, but I started with a self routed body fashioned from Douglas Fir and Pine.
Cost of body wood £4, so I could destroy my first attempt at minimal cost.
Things worked out very well eventually, and the guitar just needs electrics and final setup.

Yes, I know, where are the pics? All in good time, the guitars not totally finished yet, but the reply to the OP had to be made.

If you decide to go down the homemade bender route (costly sawdust and firewood a real possibility!), PM me for further questioning. As you are in the UK I could send you my initial prototype MDF / softwood body for some measurements and the designing / fitting of your device, prior to attacking whatever body you choose.

But, and a BIG but, I cannot seriously recommend my method of bender construction, as I had an enormous amount of luck finding components and materials for very little, or no cost. Anyone here caring not to heed my warning, just ask and I'll help all I can.


JayBee

[Chet Johnson]

Hands down, McVay benders are the best in the industry. Spend your money once, get a greatone. Best invention since the telecaster.

[asatfan]

Chet, these things are a matter of opinion! There must be several "best in the industry" bender builder / designers.

[HOBBSTER01]

My b/g bender from Bobby Burns should be finished this week.
I can hardly wait.
I went by his shop and he was milling the saddles today.
Tomorrow routing,installing and fine tuning.
HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Chet Johnson]

Originally Posted by asatfan

Chet, these things are a matter of opinion! There must be several "best in the industry" bender builder / designers.

True, I over did that one. I'd save and buy what you really want the first time, whatever that is.

[asatfan]

I definitely agree with you on that one Chet!

Hobbster....I haven't heard of Bobby Burns. Does he do a PW style? Please send some pics when you get that bad boy back!

[bendecaster]

I spent some serious coinage for my first bender(a P/W) from Mr Parsons in '98, but it was well worth it. A couple years ago, I got another P/W style from Bill Bores for half the money, yet it is also a fine device. I must agree with Chet too! A properly installed bender, by a reputable person is worth the bucks! They're out there!