Hipshot or Hipshot Will Ray B bender

[Trebstratzepflowtele]

Quick question.
Is there any difference between the recent models of these two b benders.
Maybe the WR model has his name stamped on it or something?
I can't see any difference in the photos.
Help....and thanks.

[Honga Man]

As an owner of one, I can confirm the Will Ray model has "Will Ray Helle-Bender" stamped into the metal.

I don't know if there are other differences.

Here's a picture of mine:

[gumbo]

I thought that meant that Will would come around to your place and install it for you, take up residence in your garage, and teach you how to play it.....

[Helle-Man]

Originally Posted by gumbo

I thought that meant that Will would come around to your place and install it for you, take up residence in your garage, and teach you how to play it.....

Ha! I'll take up residence, eat all your food, drive your car, play with your guitars, then when there's nothing left to consume or destroy, I'll move on. Or be evicted.

========
Here's the deal on the Hipshot:

In 1996 I had a Fender WR signature model Tele and worked with Dave Borisoff (owner of Hipshot) to equip them with a simplified Hipshot. That's when they started stamping "Will Ray Helle-Bender" on them.

The Will Ray model bender is simply a stripped down, no-frills Hipshot that has the B-Bender only, nothing else.

Hope that helps.

WR