Nashville telecaster with b bender

[golfnut]

I've just made an offer on a Nashville Telecaster with the stock parsons bender on a guitar forum in Canada. Just waiting for a response from the seller.
In the meantime I'm wondering if someone, who might know, can tell me if those b benders are decent? I'm more a less mainly wanting to buy it for the middle pickup configuration but I guess the b bender could be interesting. I've never in my almost 50 years of playing owned a tele with a b bender but I really like a lot of players who use one.
Maybe someone can give me they're general take on this guitar over all.

 

[brookdalebill]

PW benders are great!
They’re the first, and many think the best.
Is the guitar a Fender, with a Parsons-Green, perhaps?
Those are great, too.
I had a Nashville, and the stock two pickup model.
Though heavy, they worked perfectly.
PW benders often have a longer throw.
Some people like that.
I prefer medium/short.
Anyways, they’re brilliant inventions, IMO.

 

[johnnylaw]

I played a couple in stores, and really liked them. They were both up around nine pounds.
If you enjoy playing solos or slinky rhythm parts, you probably really dig it. You also may start to reimagine the fret board through your investigation of its potential- never a bad thing!
Damn the traditionalists anyway; the “extra” pickup hsa its own cool.
Good luck!

 

[T Prior]

Its possible we are confusing the Parson White system with the Fender Parsons Green system which is what Fender had factory installed on the USA Nashville Tele. Do not confuse them, they are not the same , they are similar in that they PULL the B string to a C# .

The Factory Fender Parsons Green system is very functional but it has the complete drop in Bender system installed into the guitar as a full assembly mounted to a plate. Its REVERSE of the Custom PW systems in that the PW style systems have a clear cover which can be removed for repairs maintenance etc. The parts are mounted into the guitar cavity, not to a metal plate.

To make any changes or maintenance to the PG system, the B string has to be removed and the entire system removed from the Tele body. It does not have an adjustable throw but I suppose experienced tinkerers can modify it.

The PW system, as well as the Forrest Lee jr , Darrin Matney system ,Dave Evans systems etc... can be adjusted .maintained etc just by removing the rear plexi glass cover.

All this being said, the factory Fender Nashville Parsons Green guitar is a fine instrument, but its not a Parson White system guitar.

Nice guitars but don't make a mistake thinking they are the same systems.

 

[golfnut]

Its possible we are confusing the Parson White system with the Fender Parsons Green system which is what Fender had factory installed on the USA Nashville Tele. Do not confuse them, they are not the same , they are similar in that they PULL the B string to a C# .

The Factory Fender Parsons Green system is very functional but it has the complete drop in Bender system installed into the guitar as a full assembly mounted to a plate. Its REVERSE of the Custom PW systems in that the PW style systems have a clear cover which can be removed for repairs maintenance etc. The parts are mounted into the guitar cavity, not to a metal plate.

To make any changes or maintenance to the PG system, the B string has to be removed and the entire system removed from the Tele body. It does not have an adjustable throw but I suppose experienced tinkerers can modify it.

The PW system, as well as the Forrest Lee jr , Darrin Matney system ,Dave Evans systems etc... can be adjusted .maintained etc just by removing the rear plexi glass cover.

All this being said, the factory Fender Nashville Parsons Green guitar is a fine instrument, but its not a Parson White system guitar.

Nice guitars but don't make a mistake thinking they are the same systems.

He's saying its a Parsons white bender. Could he be wrong? It doesn't have a clear cover on the back.
Here is pictures. Can you tell if its infact the Parson Green?

https://www.guitarscanada.com/threads/fender-usa-b-bender-telecaster.284492/

 

[Silverface]

PW benders often have a longer throw.

No they don't. Longer throw Parsons-Whites are special order and there are far fewer of them installed.

Can you tell if its infact the Parson Green?

Yes. You can tell by the hub, and they are quite heavy. You might want to educate yourself about B-benders before buying one, and Nashville Teles usually have PG's - which are much heavier and nothing is adjustable except the tuning stop without major surgery. One throw - 5/8" and one spring tension.

A new PW can have two throw lengths (5/8" and 3/4") if ordered with the extra rod hole required, but spring adjustment requires removing the spring, wood screw attaching it to the body, and resetting it by trial and error.

The first bellcrank-type bender to be made with both throw length adjustment from 5/8" to 1 1/4"(the long setting like Clarence's original) and spring tension adjustment using a simple Allen driver is the Evans Pull String. Dave made the first 100 in the 70's, then stopped when Gene starting doing installations (they are friends) and re-started around 18 years ago.

 

[Silverface]

In the meantime I'm wondering if someone, who might know, can tell me if those b benders are decent?

I've been playing benders since 1973 and do not care for PG's at all. I've owned one and worked on a dozen or so, and they do not have a very linear pull - there's a change in tension near the middle of the pull, making smooth, slow bends difficult. Some are worse than others.

I own Evans (which I consider the best), Parsons-Whites (later ones are pretty good, but early ones - and imitations - that have the spring mounted at an angle can wear the main bearing out in an oblong fashion - I've had it happen.); Glasers ( the Gibson b-bender and a Strat), McEwen Slingshots (which attach to the neck plate and lower strap pin), Hipshots (which to me are "training wheels" - an inexpensive way to try out benders...but have more of an "on off switch" action than the strap-types); and PW copies (one modified with an Evans spring tension unit) and one built from half a pedal steel changer like Clarence's otiginal.

Glasers are excellent, but I prefer the upper-bout strap lever of the Evans and PW to the rear-mounting of the strap lever of the Glaser - they just feel more secure and comfortable. But the one on my Strat (a butcher-block body and Custom Shop '54-style neck) is great. It's a good idea to play both types before having a Glaser installed IMO.

Weights, smoothness, linearity of the pull and adjustability vary among brands/types, and I really think playing a few first - if at all possible - is a really good idea. Top-quality benders aren't cheap.

 

[golfnut]

Yes. You can tell by the hub, and they are quite heavy. You might want to educate yourself about B-benders before buying one, and Nashville Teles usually have PG's - which are much heavier and nothing is adjustable except the tuning stop without major surgery. One throw - 5/8" and one spring tension.

To be honest what I'm truly in the market for is a Nashville style pickup configuration tele. I just thought with this guitar I'd have the added bonus of a bender. I'm not in to benders really, but having said that I've never had one. I was going to get one installed in a Crook T that I ordered off Bill back in 2010 but I got impatient and didn't want to wait the extra time to get it done.
I think I'll pass on the one in the link I posted. I'm not sure my desire to try a bender out weighs my dis like for heavy guitars. Perhaps if it were the Parsons white like the seller claims I'd give it a go. Maybe I'll try the parsons hip shot one of these days. I've got a 5 pound tele I could put it on.

 

[T Prior]

He's saying its a Parsons white bender. Could he be wrong? It doesn't have a clear cover on the back.
Here is pictures. Can you tell if its infact the Parson Green?

https://www.guitarscanada.com/threads/fender-usa-b-bender-telecaster.284492/

Its a stock Fender Parsons Green, it even says so on the back chrome plate ! LOL Plus the string tower behind the bridge assy is a 100% giveaway. Its a nice guitar but somehow he got confused with Parsons White systems. No big deal. These are fine guitars to get started with, no not perfect , but functional and complete out of the box . Caution: They are a bit heavy and the pull system is not adjustable.

If a player decides that he or she does not want to go down the Bender road, these guitars have excellent resale. Probably get back all you have in it. I've owned 4 of these guitars over the last couple of decades, they function.

 

[golfnut]

Its a stock Fender Parsons Green, it even says so on the back chrome plate ! LOL Plus the string tower behind the bridge assy is a 100% giveaway. Its a nice guitar but somehow he got confused with Parsons White systems. No big deal. These are fine guitars to get started with, no not perfect , but functional and complete out of the box . Caution: They are a bit heavy and the pull system is not adjustable.

If a player decides that he or she does not want to go down the Bender road, these guitars have excellent resale. Probably get back all you have in it. I've owned 4 of these guitars over the last couple of decades, they function.

So the seller got back to me. I guess he was away for a while (Ski season) So my main use for the guitar is for the nashville pickup set. I want those strat similar tones in a guitar. As for the weight I guess I could try to offset by using a spandex stretchy strap. No different than the same issues I'd have with a les paul.
The bender I could toy around with and see what I can get out of it. I'm just wondering what issues I might come up against it. Is it something that needs regular maintenance?
Is the guitar worth what he's asking $2,200 CA ($1,700 US) That price is shipped which he wouldn't have to do with me as I'm only an hour away. I was thinking if I wanted it I'd offer $2,000 CA ($1,575US)
The only other issue with it is that its a refin. Was redone in Lake placid blue, which to be honest color wise is more to my liking although I'm just wondering if this hurts resale.

 

[Silverface]

Perhaps if it were the Parsons white like the seller claims I'd give it a go. Maybe I'll try the parsons hip shot one of these days.

You still need to read more...and read the posts from people trying to help you! The seller made a mistake claiming it's a Parsons-WHITE - but every picture clearly shows it's a Parsons-GREE.You've been told several times that it's a Parsons-GREEN - MADE by Hipshot!

So if you try the Parsons "Hipshot" the bender would be EXACTLY the same as the one on that Nashville Tele. Hipshot makes the Parsons-Green, but they also make the "Hipshot bender system" - several models with no strap lever (you move your guitar forward by pushing the neck and a steel rod presses on your hip, pulling the string); some have palm levers

If you simply go by the words in ads you'll get burned about half the time - most players are not guitar stores or guitar techs, and they make mistakes in ads.

You need to LOOK AT THE PICTURES - and if those are beyond your understanding look up what's printed on (in this case) the back plate; pictures of Parsons-White benders and Parsons Green benders - and while you're at it, look up Evans Pull Strings, Glasers, McEwen Slingshots and benders that are variations of those 3:

B & W benders, Bill Bores (Steelbender Innovations), Forrest Lee Jr, Matney, and "B or G bender kits" (A DIY of a cheap imitation of an early Parsons-White, but with some differences) - there are others, but those are the most often encountered.

Plus The Hipshot brand benders, and palm pedals (Bigsby made them starting in the 70's; Duesenberg seems to be the big thing now.

I'm NOT trying to scold you and neither is Tony (Prior) - but it's frustrating to try to help someone when the answers could have been found in about 90 seconds by looking at images using Google - and then either ignoring or mixing up what information we gave you.

PS - if you are thinking about a Nashville Tele because you think it will have both Tele and Strat sounds, I STRONGLY suggest you PLAY one first! The middle pickup and a 5-way switch doesn't automatically
mean "it sounds like a Strat".

Because of the nature of the Tele bridge and copper (or copper-plated steel) plate on a Tele bridge pickup the harmonic content and magnetic pull on the strings are VERY different - and so is the tone.

If you want a middle pickup have your tech install one in a good - but not your favorite - Tele....because 1) it usually runs only $100 - $200 or so to have one installed (plus the pickup cost( ad 2) you'll discover There's not a Strat sound anywhere *unless* you spend about $300 - 500 for a custom set of pickups (from someone like Scott at Harmonic Design or Jerry Sentell, who have both wound them for me) made specifically to have a Tele sound like a Strat - and that will just be close, not exact.

Important - if you gig or jam with a band I hope you have a tech maintain your gear if you don't have the training (or have spent at LEAST a couple thousand bucks on the specialized tools!) and have your guitars professionally set up, and don't just play them "off the shelf"! If not - find one, either an indepedent amp and guitar tech shop, or a tech in a n independent, high-quality guitar store - NOT the so-called techs at GC or SA.

Every new (except custom instruments made with detailed info from you) or used guitar(especially ones you have shipped in!) should be checked out and then set up to optimize it for your playing style & technique. New, off the rack (or out of the box) production instruments have nuts cut with the action high at the 1st fret - some player like it that way - but most don't, and it's far easier to re-cut nut slots and lower/optimize the action than replace the nut to RAISE it!

There's also a 50/50 chance the truss rod needs adjustment for your playing; pickup heights raised or lowered depending on the strength and position(s) of your pick attack; and very often new (and almost always used) guitars need at least a minor (and sometimes a major fret dressing). I tell "shoppers" that ask me for advice to add at least $200 to their projected used guitar cost for a worst-case scenario setup; $75-165 for a minor one (around L.A. a full setup with fret dressing runs about $165, and most techs are doing 3-4 a day).

Its a stock Fender Parsons Green, it even says so on the back chrome plate ! LOL Plus the string tower behind the bridge assy is a 100% giveaway.

What Tony said - and again, what should have taken a 90 second Google image search.

 

[golfnut]

You still need to read more...and read the posts from people trying to help you! The seller made a mistake claiming it's a Parsons-WHITE - but every picture clearly shows it's a Parsons-GREE.You've been told several times that it's a Parsons-GREEN - MADE by Hipshot!

So if you try the Parsons "Hipshot" the bender would be EXACTLY the same as the one on that Nashville Tele. Hipshot makes the Parsons-Green, but they also make the "Hipshot bender system" - several models with no strap lever (you move your guitar forward by pushing the neck and a steel rod presses on your hip, pulling the string); some have palm levers

If you simply go by the words in ads you'll get burned about half the time - most players are not guitar stores or guitar techs, and they make mistakes in ads.

You need to LOOK AT THE PICTURES - and if those are beyond your understanding look up what's printed on (in this case) the back plate; pictures of Parsons-White benders and Parsons Green benders - and while you're at it, look up Evans Pull Strings, Glasers, McEwen Slingshots and benders that are variations of those 3:

B & W benders, Bill Bores (Steelbender Innovations), Forrest Lee Jr, Matney, and "B or G bender kits" (A DIY of a cheap imitation of an early Parsons-White, but with some differences) - there are others, but those are the most often encountered.

Plus The Hipshot brand benders, and palm pedals (Bigsby made them starting in the 70's; Duesenberg seems to be the big thing now.

I'm NOT trying to scold you and neither is Tony (Prior) - but it's frustrating to try to help someone when the answers could have been found in about 90 seconds by looking at images using Google - and then either ignoring or mixing up what information we gave you.

PS - if you are thinking about a Nashville Tele because you think it will have both Tele and Strat sounds, I STRONGLY suggest you PLAY one first! The middle pickup and a 5-way switch doesn't automatically
mean "it sounds like a Strat".

Because of the nature of the Tele bridge and copper (or copper-plated steel) plate on a Tele bridge pickup the harmonic content and magnetic pull on the strings are VERY different - and so is the tone.

If you want a middle pickup have your tech install one in a good - but not your favorite - Tele....because 1) it usually runs only $100 - $200 or so to have one installed (plus the pickup cost( ad 2) you'll discover There's not a Strat sound anywhere *unless* you spend about $300 - 500 for a custom set of pickups (from someone like Scott at Harmonic Design or Jerry Sentell, who have both wound them for me) made specifically to have a Tele sound like a Strat - and that will just be close, not exact.

Important - if you gig or jam with a band I hope you have a tech maintain your gear if you don't have the training (or have spent at LEAST a couple thousand bucks on the specialized tools!) and have your guitars professionally set up, and don't just play them "off the shelf"! If not - find one, either an indepedent amp and guitar tech shop, or a tech in a n independent, high-quality guitar store - NOT the so-called techs at GC or SA.

Every new (except custom instruments made with detailed info from you) or used guitar(especially ones you have shipped in!) should be checked out and then set up to optimize it for your playing style & technique. New, off the rack (or out of the box) production instruments have nuts cut with the action high at the 1st fret - some player like it that way - but most don't, and it's far easier to re-cut nut slots and lower/optimize the action than replace the nut to RAISE it!

There's also a 50/50 chance the truss rod needs adjustment for your playing; pickup heights raised or lowered depending on the strength and position(s) of your pick attack; and very often new (and almost always used) guitars need at least a minor (and sometimes a major fret dressing). I tell "shoppers" that ask me for advice to add at least $200 to their projected used guitar cost for a worst-case scenario setup; $75-165 for a minor one (around L.A. a full setup with fret dressing runs about $165, and most techs are doing 3-4 a day).



What Tony said - and again, what should have taken a 90 second Google image search.

I don't know what you're going on about. Yes I already concluded long ago that it was indeed a Parsons Green. I don't know where the "You need to get your guitar setup" rookie speech came from. I've been playing for almost 50 years. I get either Freddys Frets here in Canada (Was Alex Lifesons guitar tech for many years, maybe still is) or Folkway music. I don't touch them except maybe for the occasional seasonal tweak of the trussrod. I play them, don't work on them.
My last post was merely asking if a Nashville B bender tele with a refin was worth the asking price.
I've since found an older post concerning this guitar and the seller and it looks like he ordered the body and it came with out the middle pickup so since the information is not detailed I'm not sure what he's got in there as it has a middle pickup now.
And yes I know that it won't sound exactly like a strat (for godsakes how many times do I have to explain this) but it gets a very loosely based on strat quack. I've owned a couple teles in the 80's that I had this done to.
I was considering as an alternative having it done to one of my teles bu I'm not sure that I want to. Its an option.

 

[Silverface]

So the seller got back to me.

Did you ask him how much it weighs? That should always be one of the main questions buying any electric.

It will be heavy. 10-12.5 pounds, normally. That's the older Parsons-Green with a heavy steel back plate.

Is it something that needs regular maintenance?

This is something you should research and understand before ever buying any instrument with a bender, added tremolo or ANY other modification.

FWIW not usually with this type - but some do, and most techs have no idea how to work on them. And, as mentioned earlier, they are heavy, and the earlier ones had more of a variation in pull tension. And they are NOT adjustable without major surgery (around here the 2 guys who work on the charge about $100-150 to remove the units, change the spring and make other adjustments -

Also, NEVER lube them (or any guitar mechanism) with oil - only dry Teflon (PTFE). Oil attracts dirt, gumming up the works and causing smoothness to get worse and rerturn-to pitch can have problems over time.

So my main use for the guitar is for the nashville pickup set. I want those strat similar tones in a guitar.

Teles don't have Strat tones without special pickup sets. A middle pickup isn't the only "key". And no way with the stock-type neck pickup.

The only other issue with it is that its a refin.

A refinished guitar is generally worth half the range shown in the Vintage Price Guide; this one a little more because of the bender.

But it looks odd to me - the neck plate is a newer type, the neck medallion from 2005/6 and what looks to me like an older type PG bender. And the refin bothers me - could have been done to hide a poor routing job with a bender NOT factory installed. Does he have any provenance? anything showing it was a factory installation?

To me it's a $1200 guitar if you like heavy b-bender Teles that don't sound like Strats....

 

[golfnut]

Did you ask him how much it weighs? That should always be one of the main questions buying any electric.

It will be heavy. 10-12.5 pounds, normally. That's the older Parsons-Green with a heavy steel back plate.

This is something you should research and understand before ever buying any instrument with a bender, added tremolo or ANY other modification.

FWIW not usually with this type - but some do, and most techs have no idea how to work on them. And, as mentioned earlier, they are heavy, and the earlier ones had more of a variation in pull tension. And they are NOT adjustable without major surgery (around here the 2 guys who work on the charge about $100-150 to remove the units, change the spring and make other adjustments -

Also, NEVER lube them (or any guitar mechanism) with oil - only dry Teflon (PTFE). Oil attracts dirt, gumming up the works and causing smoothness to get worse and rerturn-to pitch can have problems over time.

Teles don't have Strat tones without special pickup sets. A middle pickup isn't the only "key". And no way with the stock-type neck pickup.

A refinished guitar is generally worth half the range shown in the Vintage Price Guide; this one a little more because of the bender.

But it looks odd to me - the neck plate is a newer type, the neck medallion from 2005/6 and what looks to me like an older type PG bender. And the refin bothers me - could have been done to hide a poor routing job with a bender NOT factory installed. Does he have any provenance? anything showing it was a factory installation?

To me it's a $1200 guitar if you like heavy b-bender Teles that don't sound like Strats....

Yes I did ask him how much it weighs. He told me he never weighed it but he guessed about 8 pounds. As for the bender I think I'll pass on this. The bender wasn't really a main focus of the guitar but it sounds like it will be a pain. I really only wanted a tele with the 3 pickup config and yes I know it doesn't sound like a strat. But theres a reason we had these guitars back in the 80's. So that sound is what I want. I had a couple modded and they had some quack, which I like. It was the only choice for guys like me who hate the strat body, the crowded volume knob and the thin sounding bridge pickup.
I agree with you though that I don't think its worth the asking price. Especially in light of new evidence I'm not confident in what the rest of the guitar is.

 

[Silverface]

I've been playing for almost 50 years. I get either Freddys Frets here in Canada (Was Alex Lifesons guitar tech for many years, maybe still is) or Folkway music. I don't touch them except maybe for the occasional seasonal tweak of the trussrod. I play them, don't work on them.

Sorry - we've been typing while the other was reading messages! No offense meant at all - but I would think with 50 years experience you would look at pictures of a Nashville Tele, Parsons Green vs Parsons White and so on - and know there is something wrong with this guitar's description!

So yes, I was getting on you just a little bit because it sounded either like you were a relatively inexperienced player - or you wanted folks here to do research that short Google search would give you (plus either way it's helpful to others that may read the thread, which is permanent internet info.) . I apologize if you felt slighted - that really was not my intent.

FWIW though, here's some easily found info simply from pictures: what type of bender it is and reviews/opinions about them; how old it is using the serial number; understanding what features CAME on a Nashville Tele (since it's not a current model) etc.

What I was hoping you would understand is the guitar simply seems wrong. The serial number is from 2005/6, but Fender didn't start using carved neck heels and those annoying (to techs and those that like to swap necks around with different bodies) asymmetrical neck plates.

Here's your straight answer - it's a "partscaster":

2016 or later, refinished body
2005 or 2006 neck
An older chrome Fender Parsons-Green bender - doesn't match the body.
A middle pickup that may or may not be original to the guitar.

And I was being soft on the seller regarding the price. That would be for an original - but refinished - 2005/6. With mixed parts and a wrong description that inflates value I'd avoid it completely. I doubt if the seller would reduce the price to a fair value for a partscaster with one of the least desirable benders on it.

And FWIW - if you want to get closer to a Strat sound on a Tele without breaking the bank:

Replace the neck pickup with a Harmonic Design "Mini Strat".

Try to find the middle or neck pickup from a Fender '57/62 set or something similar.

Replace the bridge with the old style stamped/chrome steel type.

Have Jerry Sentell make a Strat-voiced bridge pickup without a bottom plate - and tell him what the others are. I've had make or rewind/revoice Tele, Strat, pedal steel and P-90 pickups, and he's fast, relatively inexpensive, and understands what guitar players try to describe. Another option is Ivan at Q Pickups in Croatia (he can be found on facebook and eBay). He does an excellent job meeting voicing requests, and has even made "boost coil" bridge pickups that sound close to Red Rhodes' Velvet Hammer VHTBX's - which nobody else has even wanted to try to match.

Hope that helps!

 

[Silverface]

He told me he never weighed it but he guessed about 8 pounds.

I'm laughing now - glad you decided to pass. If that guitar weighs 8 pounds there's no bender - just a fake hub and a "back plate" made of aluminum foil!

I do need to correct myself - it may be an American Deluxe. Those *were* made with the Gumby-shaped neck heel & plate.

The refin is still a major concern and seriously affects value. Especially a refin that's already chipping (and appears in some of the pics to have orange peel).

But I felt I should make note of the model, and that the neck and body could match up. We just see so few of them - well, SO few that I don't recall a single one ever brought in even for normal "tweaking" - and I never saw one on stage. They were not popular around the LA area.

 

[golfnut]

He has 3 pics of the back plate. 2 of them I couldn't read at all. The thirds I really had to squint and even put my big magnifying glass on it to see it. Yes my eyes aren't that good. I initially took his word it was a Parsons white but after being straightened out here I did google wiki and read the history of Fender wanting Parsons White and using it for some custom higher end models but using the parsons green for mass produced teles. As I said I'm not that excited about having a b bender guitar. I do alot of bends more in the style of Jerry Donahue. I wouldn't mind a bender equipped guitar to see how useful it would be to me. It seems the Parson green hipshot might be less a pain.
I do admit to being a little lazy and hoping to be spoon fed information here.
As for the 3 pickup plan I'm leaning strongly at converting my roadworn (brad paisely) guitar. I've got my eye on a couple pickups from McNelly here in Canada. The neck pickup (Duckling) is supposed to be a strat pickup thats made as a drop in replacement for the neck. I would even consider a bender being for this guitar as any added weight isn't going to make it heavy as its only 5 pounds now.

 

[T Prior]

Its easy to misinterpret NET conversations. Almost as easy as in person.!

Jim is just sharing his vast experience and knowledge, is all.

Passing on the guitar is probably a good thing, being a REFIN for $1600 USA . These guitars factory stock are in the $1600 , maybe a tad more in fine condition.

One thing rings true, this 3 PUP Tele, may have some mild STRAT'ISH tone, but its not a Strat and doesn't really sound like a Strat, more as I said--Strat'ish !

For others who may be reading, regarding the PG Bender, it functions, it holds tune, it pulls to a C#, no issue, it does not need regular maintenance. Once a year for a dab of lube maybe. And its not 8 lbs, its like Jim said, it exceeds 10 lbs.

But all that being said, a factory Fender PG Bender Tele, has good value and they are popular. I would place them in the +/- $1600 range in quality condition with the hard case. They are all USA made Tele's if that is important. And they are FUN !

SIDENOTE: The PG system which is in the Fender Factory Tele has a chrome plated string tower. The Hipshot offered version has a BRASS string tower. The last PG Tele I had, I acquired the Brass Tower from Hipshot and replaced the chrome plated tower. Did it make a difference ? I'm shrugging my shoulders right now -

 

[Silverface]

I wouldn't mind a bender equipped guitar to see how useful it would be to me. It seems the Parson green hipshot might be less a pain.

There is no such thing as a "Parsons Green Hipshot." There are TWO that use those 3 words and one that does NOT include "Green" (Gene Parsons' second ex-wife):

1. The "Parsons Green B Bender" MADE by Hipshot you can buy as an aftermarket unit and have a tech install (a ridiculous waste of money IMO - unless you can do the installation yourself). It's the same as the one pictured, but without "Fender" on it and...usually...a lighter weight back panel (which isn't a cover - it hold the entire unit.)

2. The "Fender B Bender"(stamped into the back plate in script) with "Parsons Green" in small print below it. It is EXACTLY the same as #1 as far as looks and general function go; it is heavier and more prone to the change in tension through the pull that I mentioned earlier.

3. The "Hipshot B-Bender", which attaches to the lower strap button on a Tele (a tech should install it unless you work on your own instruments, as in most cases the bridge needs a notch cut for the string; or a special saddle installed with a hollow intonation screw and Teflon string tube; or the neck shimmed so the string clears the back of the bridgeplate).

I acquired the Brass Tower from Hipshot and replaced the chrome plated tower. Did it make a difference ?

No. It WILL wear out sooner, though. Not significantly - over 20 years or so if it's used a lot.

If it were part of the saddle (like on a Glaser or B & W) it would affect the tone - but not as part of the tower.

 

[deleted_member]

He's saying its a Parsons white bender. Could he be wrong? It doesn't have a clear cover on the back.
Here is pictures. Can you tell if its infact the Parson Green?

https://www.guitarscanada.com/threads/fender-usa-b-bender-telecaster.284492/

That is a Parsons Green b bender....definitely not a PW....as others have already stated....

That guitar has been for sale for quite a while....I saw it when I was first looking at benders and passed on it....

Where in Canada are you located? If in Toronto I am willing to let you try out the Forrest custom I had built with double bender with the triple pups w/ Coil boosters....that is an awesome guitar....but bit more $ than the blue partscaster you turned down....Forrest Lee Junior makes incredible benders (I have 2)

Just curious if you have looked for a Brent Mason tele....or if just looking for straight Nashville now?