Bending the Hipshot Bender Bar

[smoke]

Anyone had any luck bending the Hipshot b-bender lever to bring it closer to the body? I am finding mine sits a little far out for where I wear my guitar, maybe an inch or two from where it would be most comfortable.

I am guessing bending it, even a few inches would be pretty tough since the bar seems solid. I would love to hear anyone's experience w/ doing something like this, if it works, if it impacted the unit, etc.

Thanks.

j

[ironweed]

You can insert that z-shaped bar in different orientations so that it's closer (or further away) from your body. When I had one, I'd fix it one way for standing and another way or sitting.

[smoke]

IW, I appreciate the response. I have tried it just about every way and I still find it to be a little too far away. I think just an inch or two would make a world of difference.

I am a slim guy so maybe I just need to drink a few more beers?

[J. Hayes]

I have to have my bar turned out so it's in the most "outer" position. I guess I'm a "f@t @$$" or something......... You might try something like wrapping something around the lever to give it more mass..........JH in Va.

[jmiles]

How about calling Hipshot, and asking if they can help you out? They might be able to supply you with some unbent hex stock.

[helle_man]

Originally Posted by jmiles

How about calling Hipshot, and asking if they can help you out? They might be able to supply you with some unbent hex stock.

I would second that. I think you'd probably be able to put the Z-bar in a vise and bend it to a wider setting, but I would call Hipshot first. They may even be able to offer another, better way.

WR

[smoke]

Damn good idea guys. Thanks so much.

[ironweed]

Still trying to be helpful....

Did you try inserting it where the bend in the bar went back and behind the body? Maybe then it will hit you in the ribs instead of the butt, but will definitely move the "push-point" inwards.

Did you try tightening your strap, so that the guitar will hang differently?

[tomtheguitarguy]

Perhaps there is some foam "tubing" that you can find that would give the lever added girth? Just an idea.

[HOBBSTER01]

Hell, I left mine at home once and ended up using a large Allen wrench.

[smoke]

Tom, that is a great idea. I haven't bent it yet because I have been playing my 62ri instead of the b-bender'd tele. I might hit up the hardware store and see if I can find some kind of foam, tubing, etc. Thanks for all of the help fellas.

[bender-freak]

been watching this topic for a while...am a little puzzled as to why the "stock bar" is not getting into a position that will work?; i've been using the hipshot bender for years and was pretty darn thin when i first started using one (i got over the being thin part, tho!!).....all that aside, i have seen some guys take a rubber ball and place on the end of the bar..i have one hipshot rig i have never mounted yet that has what looks like a screwdriver handle on the end of the bar/handle; dunno if it is factory or what since i snagged it used off the "Bay" couple years ago..good luck with it all..

[smoke]

Bender, probably a combo of where I have to wear my guitar for the voicings I favor (close interval stuff) and my desire to have it RIGHT next to me for quicker access. It is fine for the majority of uses now, but I want it literally directly available. Some great advice on this post, which I appreciate a lot.

[jmiles]

Look for the foam pipe insulation used on 1/4" copper tube. That should slide onto the Hipshot lever. Then check out the foam for 1/2" or 3/4" tubing to put on top of the first layer. ie; build it up in layers.