TremorBender out of Michigan

telenick · February 10th, 2008, 07:51 PM

I searched the forum for info or users, but could not find anyone that has one.

http://www.tremorbender.com

Is there anyone out there that has one?

Looks interesting. The only thing I don't know about is the tone, because of the aluminum.

Please let me know!

Thanks,
Nick

helle_man · February 12th, 2008, 12:34 PM

They look like they would work fine.

But here's my take on benders - anything that causes you to change your right hand plucking technique is a problem for me. I've works for many years developing my right hand, and when I use things like this I have to alter my technique.

Whereas with a PW, PG or Hipshot, your right hand can still do its thang without modifying your technique.

Sure, you can reteach yourself to play with one, but who's got that kind of time? I don't. I plant my right hand on the bridge and it has to stay put for me to use hybrid picking correctly. If I have to move it to activate a lever, I'm sunk.

My advice: If you've got plenty of time on your hands (and some people do), go for one.

Just my 2 cents.
Cheers.

telenick · February 12th, 2008, 02:44 PM

Thanks Will.

I have a Hipshot right now. And your right about technique . . . with time you could get it to work.

I've gotten use to the Hipshot, so it will stay.

Also wanted to say I've enjoyed your playing over the years! Long live the Tele!

Thanks,
Nick

Telerooster · March 12th, 2008, 03:47 PM

I'll just confirm what Will says...I tried one of these benders at my local store, it does force you to alternate your hand placement. I was thinking of one instead of another hipshot, but Hipshot is the way to go. In fact I'm hoping to get the one with the 3 alternate tuning levers on it so I can go to open g without switching guitars.

MartinH · April 8th, 2008, 08:30 AM

Will is right!!!!

FirstBassman · April 8th, 2008, 11:00 PM

As I stated in another thread, I'm starting to get the jones for a bender.

So, hipshot is the one, huh?

helle_man · April 8th, 2008, 11:05 PM

.

Not necessarily. I would do some research on the ones discussed on this forum. Hipshots are among the least expensive and easiest to install, but a lot of people dig the P/W, P/G, Glasers etc too. Different strokes...

.

MartinH · April 9th, 2008, 09:59 AM

The P/W its the best to me, i use a B and G Benders P/W style and u can really take the best tone of both benders, here i leave some to take a listen , i recorded in a session las week.

http://martinharispe.com.ar/demos/session1.mp3

M

FirstBassman · April 9th, 2008, 09:25 PM

Cost is certainly a consideration, as is ease-of-use.
I'm not the greatest guitar player that ever came down the pike.
And I'm not too crazy about the "complicated" dug-out back of the Gene/Clarence bender.
Oh well, lots of research to do.

jfinester · April 17th, 2008, 05:21 AM

That does look interesting, but I think it would compromise my right-hand technique too much. I like the idea of having one that would work with a Strat vibrato, but I couldn't find a pic on their website. An old friend of mine (now deceased, unfortunately) named Larry Murphy, one of the best guitar players I ever heard, had a homemade setup on his ES-355 that involved a Bigsby tailpiece for vibrato and a modified violin fine-tuner on the B-string, and he could do steel licks that would turn steel players green.

Ignatius · August 20th, 2008, 12:04 PM

Anybody else try one of these? It sure does look like it would affect your right hand technique as others have already pointed out.

Silverface · August 20th, 2008, 04:57 PM

"But here's my take on benders - anything that causes you to change your right hand plucking technique is a problem for me. I've works for many years developing my right hand, and when I use things like this I have to alter my technique."

What Will said. If he could see TDPRI archives from the last 10-2 years or so he'd see that same quote by probably half a dozen players, including me.

It's the same issue I've had with and palm-device (Palm Pedal, EZ Bender, Hipshot add-ons, etc) - if your right hand is involved with the bending it is NOT involved with attack and tone, at least to a "normal" extent. My right hand is constantly changing positions for attack/tone reasons, and this type of thing just doesn't work for me.

That's not to say guys can't use them, and there are plenty of palm-bender whiz-kids out there - but the HAVE to sacrifice something, and for me that's the rub. With the PW, Pullstring, basic Hipshot, Slingshot, Glaser, Shelton, et al you just don't have that issue. So if you do a lot of palm muting or have a varied attack, I'd suggest another type.

jmiles · August 20th, 2008, 07:11 PM

I point my Hipshot palm lever at about a 45 degree angle. That way, I play it with my wrist, and am free to palm block or rest my hand on the bridge. It doesn't interfere with my technique at all.
Edited to add: I am a finger picker. Can't use a flatpick to save my life! I actually use the G lever as a rest for my hand when I'm not palm blocking.

bender-freak · August 21st, 2008, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmiles

I point my Hipshot palm lever at about a 45 degree angle. That way, I play it with my wrist, and am free to palm block or rest my hand on the bridge. It doesn't interfere with my technique at all.
Edited to add: I am a finger picker. Can't use a flatpick to save my life! I actually use the G lever as a rest for my hand when I'm not palm blocking.

run the handle at a 45 degree angle.....ditto as far as using the G lever as a rest when not bending the G string...i run my G string lever on a Hipshot at the same angle as the neck, tighten the snot out of it so it can't move, cut the length off with a Dremel tool till the end of the lever is behind the saddle area, and bend away with my wrist, plenty of lever there to activate the bend easily....doesn't compromise my style of right hand thumb picking and finger picking at all or right hand "damping/muting" technique...

Silverface · August 21st, 2008, 12:46 AM

"...the end of the lever is behind the saddle area,"

Now, to me, that's just as limiting as it being *over* the saddle area.

Over the saddle = lose right hand damping; cut short, you can bend and play mellower notes away from the bridge. It'd be darned hard to flat to hybrid pick up near the neck pickup (a position I use quite often for mellower passages - you can change tone instantly just be right-hand movement) and use the bender.

So to me, shortening the lever is just as limiting as having it stock. 45-degrees off to the side - same issues; you're locked into right hand positions. If you LIKE to play in one spot most of the time it'd be fine.

I don't, and to me you're taking away half the tone and about a 3rd of the attack. I'm not just guessing - I've *tried* all these methods with palm units. I find them extremely limiting. But if they work for you, great.

bender-freak · August 21st, 2008, 11:37 AM

yeah, we all like what we like....ain't it great to have choices....!!!!!

jmiles · August 21st, 2008, 02:48 PM

"45-degrees off to the side - same issues; you're locked into right hand positions. If you LIKE to play in one spot most of the time it'd be fine."
Jim, because I haven't cut the lever short, and I play it with my wrist, I'm able to pick anywhere from the end of the fretboard to right up against the bridge with no problem. Gotz to find those sweet spots!

Silverface · August 22nd, 2008, 12:02 AM

jmiles - Except remember you're fingerpicking...and 99.9% of the Tele work either flatpicks or hybrid picks. Hitting the lever with your wrist while fingerpicking is one thing (I was just experimenting with positions based on approximate lever position) but I can't see it working for most players.

But you found what works for YOU - and there is something to be said for being the exception rather than the rule!

wgcwood · August 23rd, 2008, 05:46 PM

Woa....Nice Work Martin sounds great!

stringeddemigod · August 27th, 2008, 06:55 AM

I just get a kick out of the awful demo video that they have on youtube.

ForrestLeeJr · August 28th, 2008, 11:08 AM

I have one on my Baritone Tele. I use it for sessions only, and rarely bend the bender. But for the money, It's an easy way to get bent. But I will say it slows me down enough that I have to stick with my strap benders for the rest of my guitars.
I've got a collection of benders, and this one is good, stays perfectly in tune... but like Will said, it interferes with your hand...

February 10th, 2008, 07:51 PM	#1 (permalink)
telenick NEW MEMBER! Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 4	TremorBender out of Michigan I searched the forum for info or users, but could not find anyone that has one. http://www.tremorbender.com Is there anyone out there that has one? Looks interesting. The only thing I don't know about is the tone, because of the aluminum. Please let me know! Thanks, Nick

February 12th, 2008, 12:34 PM	#2 (permalink)
helle_man Tele-Meister Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Asheville, NC Posts: 129	I've seen these showing up on eBay... They look like they would work fine. But here's my take on benders - anything that causes you to change your right hand plucking technique is a problem for me. I've works for many years developing my right hand, and when I use things like this I have to alter my technique. Whereas with a PW, PG or Hipshot, your right hand can still do its thang without modifying your technique. Sure, you can reteach yourself to play with one, but who's got that kind of time? I don't. I plant my right hand on the bridge and it has to stay put for me to use hybrid picking correctly. If I have to move it to activate a lever, I'm sunk. My advice: If you've got plenty of time on your hands (and some people do), go for one. Just my 2 cents. Cheers. __________________ Will Ray says - "More Guitars, Less War".

March 12th, 2008, 03:47 PM	#4 (permalink)
Telerooster NEW MEMBER! Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: GR, Michigan Age: 45 Posts: 9	I'll just confirm what Will says...I tried one of these benders at my local store, it does force you to alternate your hand placement. I was thinking of one instead of another hipshot, but Hipshot is the way to go. In fact I'm hoping to get the one with the 3 alternate tuning levers on it so I can go to open g without switching guitars. __________________ "as he walked to the car, and saw the broken glass, his worst fears were realized...........someone had thrown in another accordian."

April 8th, 2008, 11:05 PM	#7 (permalink)
helle_man Tele-Meister Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Asheville, NC Posts: 129	. Not necessarily. I would do some research on the ones discussed on this forum. Hipshots are among the least expensive and easiest to install, but a lot of people dig the P/W, P/G, Glasers etc too. Different strokes... . __________________ Will Ray says - "More Guitars, Less War".

August 20th, 2008, 12:04 PM	#11 (permalink)
Ignatius Tele-Holic Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 748 1 Photos	Anybody else try one of these? It sure does look like it would affect your right hand technique as others have already pointed out. __________________ This right here is my signature.

February 12th, 2008, 02:44 PM	#3 (permalink)
telenick NEW MEMBER! Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 4	Thanks Will. I have a Hipshot right now. And your right about technique . . . with time you could get it to work. I've gotten use to the Hipshot, so it will stay. Also wanted to say I've enjoyed your playing over the years! Long live the Tele! Thanks, Nick

April 8th, 2008, 08:30 AM	#5 (permalink)
MartinH Banned TDPRI Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Argentina Age: 29 Posts: 32	Will is right!!!!

April 8th, 2008, 11:00 PM	#6 (permalink)
FirstBassman Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,336	As I stated in another thread, I'm starting to get the jones for a bender. So, hipshot is the one, huh?

April 9th, 2008, 09:59 AM	#8 (permalink)
MartinH Banned TDPRI Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Argentina Age: 29 Posts: 32	The P/W its the best to me, i use a B and G Benders P/W style and u can really take the best tone of both benders, here i leave some to take a listen , i recorded in a session las week. http://martinharispe.com.ar/demos/session1.mp3 M

April 9th, 2008, 09:25 PM	#9 (permalink)
FirstBassman Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,336	Cost is certainly a consideration, as is ease-of-use. I'm not the greatest guitar player that ever came down the pike. And I'm not too crazy about the "complicated" dug-out back of the Gene/Clarence bender. Oh well, lots of research to do.

April 17th, 2008, 05:21 AM	#10 (permalink)
jfinester NEW MEMBER! Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Vallejo, CA Age: 58 Posts: 3	That does look interesting, but I think it would compromise my right-hand technique too much. I like the idea of having one that would work with a Strat vibrato, but I couldn't find a pic on their website. An old friend of mine (now deceased, unfortunately) named Larry Murphy, one of the best guitar players I ever heard, had a homemade setup on his ES-355 that involved a Bigsby tailpiece for vibrato and a modified violin fine-tuner on the B-string, and he could do steel licks that would turn steel players green.

August 20th, 2008, 04:57 PM	#12 (permalink)
Silverface Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Hermosa Beach CA Age: 56 Posts: 1,923	"But here's my take on benders - anything that causes you to change your right hand plucking technique is a problem for me. I've works for many years developing my right hand, and when I use things like this I have to alter my technique." What Will said. If he could see TDPRI archives from the last 10-2 years or so he'd see that same quote by probably half a dozen players, including me. It's the same issue I've had with and palm-device (Palm Pedal, EZ Bender, Hipshot add-ons, etc) - if your right hand is involved with the bending it is NOT involved with attack and tone, at least to a "normal" extent. My right hand is constantly changing positions for attack/tone reasons, and this type of thing just doesn't work for me. That's not to say guys can't use them, and there are plenty of palm-bender whiz-kids out there - but the HAVE to sacrifice something, and for me that's the rub. With the PW, Pullstring, basic Hipshot, Slingshot, Glaser, Shelton, et al you just don't have that issue. So if you do a lot of palm muting or have a varied attack, I'd suggest another type. __________________ “No Chops – Great Tone” ©

August 20th, 2008, 07:11 PM	#13 (permalink)
jmiles Tele-Meister Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: ohio Posts: 151	I point my Hipshot palm lever at about a 45 degree angle. That way, I play it with my wrist, and am free to palm block or rest my hand on the bridge. It doesn't interfere with my technique at all. Edited to add: I am a finger picker. Can't use a flatpick to save my life! I actually use the G lever as a rest for my hand when I'm not palm blocking. Last edited by jmiles; August 20th, 2008 at 07:38 PM. Reason: additional information

August 21st, 2008, 12:46 AM	#15 (permalink)
Silverface Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Hermosa Beach CA Age: 56 Posts: 1,923	"...the end of the lever is behind the saddle area," Now, to me, that's just as limiting as it being over the saddle area. Over the saddle = lose right hand damping; cut short, you can bend and play mellower notes away from the bridge. It'd be darned hard to flat to hybrid pick up near the neck pickup (a position I use quite often for mellower passages - you can change tone instantly just be right-hand movement) and use the bender. So to me, shortening the lever is just as limiting as having it stock. 45-degrees off to the side - same issues; you're locked into right hand positions. If you LIKE to play in one spot most of the time it'd be fine. I don't, and to me you're taking away half the tone and about a 3rd of the attack. I'm not just guessing - I've tried all these methods with palm units. I find them extremely limiting. But if they work for you, great. __________________ “No Chops – Great Tone” ©

August 21st, 2008, 11:37 AM	#16 (permalink)
bender-freak Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: springfield, missouri Posts: 1,366	yeah, we all like what we like....ain't it great to have choices....!!!!! __________________ bender-freak

August 21st, 2008, 02:48 PM	#17 (permalink)
jmiles Tele-Meister Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: ohio Posts: 151	"45-degrees off to the side - same issues; you're locked into right hand positions. If you LIKE to play in one spot most of the time it'd be fine." Jim, because I haven't cut the lever short, and I play it with my wrist, I'm able to pick anywhere from the end of the fretboard to right up against the bridge with no problem. Gotz to find those sweet spots!

August 22nd, 2008, 12:02 AM	#18 (permalink)
Silverface Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Hermosa Beach CA Age: 56 Posts: 1,923	jmiles - Except remember you're fingerpicking...and 99.9% of the Tele work either flatpicks or hybrid picks. Hitting the lever with your wrist while fingerpicking is one thing (I was just experimenting with positions based on approximate lever position) but I can't see it working for most players. But you found what works for YOU - and there is something to be said for being the exception rather than the rule! __________________ “No Chops – Great Tone” ©

August 23rd, 2008, 05:46 PM	#19 (permalink)
wgcwood NEW MEMBER! Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Doylestown, Ohio Age: 42 Posts: 6	Woa....Nice Work Martin sounds great! Last edited by wgcwood; August 24th, 2008 at 08:22 AM.

August 27th, 2008, 06:55 AM	#20 (permalink)
stringeddemigod TDPRI Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Hattiesburg, Ms Posts: 72	I just get a kick out of the awful demo video that they have on youtube.

August 28th, 2008, 11:08 AM	#21 (permalink)
ForrestLeeJr TDPRI Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Nashville Age: 38 Posts: 56	I have one on my Baritone Tele. I use it for sessions only, and rarely bend the bender. But for the money, It's an easy way to get bent. But I will say it slows me down enough that I have to stick with my strap benders for the rest of my guitars. I've got a collection of benders, and this one is good, stays perfectly in tune... but like Will said, it interferes with your hand...