|
 The Steel Guitar Forum
 Music
 Different B-Bender for Telecaster....
|
| next newest topic | next oldest topic |
| Author | Topic: Different B-Bender for Telecaster.... |
|
Jerry Hayes Member From: Virginia Beach, Va. |
posted 30 November 2004 09:45 AM
profile
Have any of you Tele players seen the Shelton B-Bender. They're made in England I believe but you can get them installed in the US for $495 by Jeff Mosby of Mosby Guitars. These things are really cool and also endorsed by John Jorgensen. They don't require the entensive routing required by a Parson/White or Parsons/Green type. The only visible sign of a bender on the front of the guitar is the bridge piece for the second string. Other than that, nothing else shows. The strap peg that you use to activate it is in a slot on the plate that holds your neck to the guitar and there's a small hole in the plate to adjust the throw of the bender. You can see pictures of 'em at the mosby site which is: www.mosbyguitars.com I'll be getting mine in January hopefully. They're in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina........Have a good 'un..JH ------------------ [This message was edited by Jerry Hayes on 30 November 2004 at 09:52 AM.] |
|
Roger Rettig Member From: NAPLES, FL |
posted 30 November 2004 01:51 PM
profile
It sounds just like Joe Glaser's almost-invisible B-bender - I hope they didn't just copy his! Apart from the fact that Joe's device works very smoothly and with great sustain, it also adds only minimal weight to the guitar, unlike the very early Parsons/White (or 'Green') pull-strings. RR |
|
Dan Sawyer Member From: Studio City, California, USA |
posted 30 November 2004 01:59 PM
profile
Here's something interesting. It seems you can use this bender AND a Strat whammy at the same time. http://www.nymphusa.com/tele/forsale/shelton/default.asp |
|
Barbara Hennerman Member From: Rangely, CO, USA |
posted 30 November 2004 05:32 PM
profile
* [This message was edited by Barbara Hennerman on 21 August 2006 at 01:39 AM.] |
|
Iain Member From: Edinburgh, Scotland |
posted 01 December 2004 03:37 AM
profile
Does anyone know of anywhere in Britain that fits this type of bender? I'd love to have bender and trm arm functional on my Strat! I really miss the trem when playing my P/W bender Tele (and vice-versa) so this'd be grand. Thanks Iain |
|
Jerry Hayes Member From: Virginia Beach, Va. |
posted 01 December 2004 04:07 AM
profile
Hey Iain, John Shelton is in Great Britain so you're very close to him. I don't know where he lives over there but you could probably ask around or search the net for him. I don't know if Jeff Mosby in SC would give out the info from his site or not....JH Dan, thanks for the pix of that Strat with a bender, I've never seen anything like that. I'll have to check into that. I'd like to have something like that on my Strat for sure.... ------------------ [This message was edited by Jerry Hayes on 01 December 2004 at 04:09 AM.] |
|
Iain Member From: Edinburgh, Scotland |
posted 01 December 2004 07:36 AM
profile
Thanks, Jerry. I'm trying to dig up a contact number/email address, as I know he is in Britain, but no luck so far (Google etc don't seem to have any useful info) |
|
Darvin Willhoite Member From: Leander, Tx. USA |
posted 01 December 2004 10:40 AM
profile
Now that would be a real engineering feat, making a B-bender work reliably with a tremolo tailpiece. Thats interesting, I may have to look into that myself. ------------------ |
|
Jerry Hayes Member From: Virginia Beach, Va. |
posted 02 December 2004 09:12 AM
profile
The only bender I've ever seen that had a vibrato arm was the 6 pedal foot actuated thing that Phil Baugh used to play. I think MSA built it for him. I used to have one that a friend of mine saw in an add somewhere and bought two of them as they were so cheap and gave me one of em. I used it for a little while on my Strat but it looked funny so I took it off even though it worked pretty good. What you'd do was take off your hold down nut from your 6th string tuning peg and attach the unit under that nut. It went across the peghead, parrallel to the nut and wrapped around the bottom of the peghead. There was a small tubular brass thing on top with a nylon piece protruding from it with a hole in the side of the piece. You'd thread your B string through the nylon piece and when activated the thing would pull your B string sideways at the headstock. There was a small chain which you'd attach to your guitar strap which would pull the thing when you pushed down on the guitar neck. Same motion as with a Parsons/White bender. The thing I didn't like was that chain going from the headstock to your shoulder, it just looked funny. You could use your vibrato equipped guitar though as it didn't have anything to do with the tailpiece or bridge. I also used it for a while on an acoustic and that was pretty cool. I haven't seen the thing for about 5 years but after talking about it I think I'll go to the garage and find it and then stick it on something just for the fun of it.....JH ------------------ [This message was edited by Jerry Hayes on 02 December 2004 at 09:22 AM.] [This message was edited by Jerry Hayes on 02 December 2004 at 09:26 AM.] |
|
Dan Sawyer Member From: Studio City, California, USA |
posted 02 December 2004 11:30 AM
profile
Jerry, do you have the unit with six pedals, one for each string like Phil used to play? If so, i might be interested in buying that if you're not using it. |
|
Tony Trout Member From: Murphy, North Carolina, USA |
posted 02 December 2004 11:50 AM
profile
The only complaint (although I've never used one) I have about the Shelton bender is that the bend just wouldn't seem to have a "natural" feel to it in regards to where the actuation lever is positioned on the guitar. In other words, the feel of the bend is "unnatural" as opposed to a Parsons/White or Parsons/Green bender. But then again....that's JMO. Please don't shoot me....... ------------------ |
|
Dan Sawyer Member From: Studio City, California, USA |
posted 03 December 2004 11:04 AM
profile
Tony, that's interesting. Are you talking about the strap button being in a different place? (The neck plate instead of the upper bout). |
|
Jerry Hayes Member From: Virginia Beach, Va. |
posted 03 December 2004 11:57 AM
profile
It doesn't seem to me like it'd make a differnce as you'd still be pushing down on the neck on both types. The only difference would be that the stap peg on the Shelton would be like that of a Gibson 335 on the back of the guitar on the heel of the neck. It might affect the balance of the instrument a little maybe, but I don't think so. If Jorgensen recommends it, it must be a good 'un. He could have anything out there he wanted and I don't think the guy's making enough money on these to pay him the huge bucks to endorse it.....JH ------------------ |
|
Roger Rettig Member From: NAPLES, FL |
posted 03 December 2004 12:37 PM
profile
As someone who went from the Parsons/White device to the Glaser version (Joe's conversion has the strap attached to a fitting at the neck-plate - like the Shelton apparently does), I have to say that there was a difference in 'feel' between the two... With the P/W, the guitar is more easily pushed downwards due to the strap being connected at the guitar's upper 'shoulder'; the other method needed a little practice for me as the guitar tended to pivot away from my body. I soon became accustomed to it, though, and the superior action, smoothness and sustain, along with the fact that Glaser's method barely requires any body-routing was more than enough justification for the change. I overcame the awkwardness by slightly shortening my strap which helped me to control the movement; it really didn't take long to get comfortable. Now, my old P/W is stiff and 'notchy' by comparison. I must stress that I don't know the Shelton Bender, but it sounds like it's awfully close to the Glaser in construction. Roger R. [This message was edited by Roger Rettig on 03 December 2004 at 04:50 PM.] |
|
Dan Sawyer Member From: Studio City, California, USA |
posted 04 December 2004 12:39 PM
profile
Roger, you mention sustain. Was there a loss of sustain with the parsons/white? |
|
Dan Sawyer Member From: Studio City, California, USA |
posted 04 December 2004 12:44 PM
profile
Roger, you mention sustain. Was there a loss of sustain with the parsons/white? |
|
Toby Rider Member From: Fort Worth, Texas, USA |
posted 04 December 2004 12:52 PM
profile
I'm pretty happy with my hipshot b-bender. |
|
Roger Rettig Member From: NAPLES, FL |
posted 04 December 2004 02:48 PM
profile
Not so much a distinct loss of sustain, maybe just slight - when the bender was pulled to the higher note, the string didn't ring quite as well as the other strings. This was the case with both my P/Ws. When I engage the Glaser bender, the raised note seems to hang on that bit longer, and the pulled note sounds strong within the chord. I wonder if it's because of the brass bridge-saddle that Joe installs. This slightly-enhanced sustain adds to the pedal steel illusion somehow, although I've never felt that benders make Teles sound like steels! They just allow you to get PSG 'voicings' - particularly effectively if you pull up the B in the middle of a chord. Joe does a great job, 'though he can take a few weeks doing it! RR |
|
Dan Sawyer Member From: Studio City, California, USA |
posted 05 December 2004 01:26 AM
profile
OK, thanks Roger. I have used a hipshot in the past and have no problem using my hip to play it. The problem is, sitting down! Anyway, i'd like to try something like this new bender, and also use the hipshot on one of the other strings. I've found you really don't need a bender as much on the 3rd string since it's so easy to bend. |
|
Roger Rettig Member From: NAPLES, FL |
posted 05 December 2004 05:48 AM
profile
I agree, Dan. Joe also offers a 'G' bender, but you need to order it at the same time as the 'B' is being installed, otherwise it'd get pretty expensive. As you say, the 3rd is much easier to bend, so I didn't even consider it. When I last saw Joe (a while ago!) he was installing a 'G' and a 'B' bender in a Parker 'Fly' guitar for Jimmy Olander - that was a big challenge, given the shape of the Parker's body. I wonder how it worked out? It requires pushing downwards to activate the 'B' pull, and away from you to pull the 'G'. I assume that one could learn to pull both strings with practice. RR |
|
Tim Wallis Member From: Warrensburg, Illinois |
posted 05 December 2004 09:20 AM
profile
At the risk of sounding like a bad infomercial, I'm real happy with the stringbenders I invented. It bends the B&G Strings. Take a look if you want at www.TimaraStringBenders.com If you're a member of the Steel Guitar Forum, I'll sell them to you at dealer cost. I'm in the middle of updating the web site adding our Axxx Hot Rod Guitars, so it's a little messy in there right now. Oh yeah, be sure to keep listening to Steel Radio www.SteelRadio.com We have some new programs and live shows in the works. Thanks, |
|
Jerry Hayes Member From: Virginia Beach, Va. |
posted 06 December 2004 04:27 AM
profile
Hey Dan, I think the HipShot is the best way to go for sitting down. I do over half of my gigs sitting behind my steel guitar and doubling on both instruments. The HipShot has the lever that you can position right on your hip or side and then just push the neck forward which is a better way to go than down when you're sitting. There's another bender out there called a Slingshot by a guy in Conneticut which is pretty cool. Brad Paisley has one on one of his Telecasters. It has the strap lever like a P/W but requires no routing whatsoever. The unit attaches to the neck mounting screws and the strap peg on the butt of the guitar. It's all housed in a 1/2" thick aluminum housing on the rear of the guitar. I believe the guy's name is Paul McEwen who makes it. They're only $400.00 installed. His phone number is (860) 485-2720. Have a good 'un....JH ------------------ |
|
Dan Sawyer Member From: Studio City, California, USA |
posted 06 December 2004 09:05 PM
profile
Jerry, that's a good point about sitting down. The slingshot sounds interesting, but the Selton is only $100 more, and it's light weight and inside the guitar. Tim Wallis, i've looked at your website, but i can't quite figure out how your system works. Can you still strum, or is it only for fingerstyle playing? What motion does your arm have to make to bend the pitches? Thanks! |
|
Tim Harr Member From: East Peoria, Illinois |
posted 08 December 2004 06:59 PM
profile
Check out Tim Wallis' Timara Benders !!!!! ------------------ Tim Harr Carter D-10 8p & 9k w/ BL-705s; Hilton pedal; Webb 6-14E Amplifier http://groups.msn.com/TimHarrWebPage/yourwebpage.msnw [This message was edited by Tim Harr on 08 December 2004 at 07:01 PM.] |
|
Tim Harr Member From: East Peoria, Illinois |
posted 08 December 2004 07:00 PM
profile
I have seen Tim use his Timara Benders up close.... They work great. I have been using a B bender system since 1985/86. It seems like before they really caught on I was using one in my Tele. My first was built by a guy named Alan Manship. It still works well ..I just dont play that Tele much anymore.. Currently, I am comfortable with my USA Tele with the Parsons/Green system. It works fine and is extremely reliable. Tim builds great instruments! Please check out his website and be sure to listen to his sound bytes!!!!!!! I have not played an entire gig with Tim before but I am ready anytime he wants to get together and have a blast!
------------------ |
|
Toby Rider Member From: Fort Worth, Texas, USA |
posted 08 December 2004 10:45 PM
profile
The hipshot is ideal because it can be activated without having to the strap on the guitar, no pulling on a strap required. Plus you can combine it with the drop-d lever. Very useful, as some many country songs require that Low string to be dropped down to E. Not to mention it's very reasonable priced and adds little to no weight to your Telecaster. |
|
Jerry Hayes Member From: Virginia Beach, Va. |
posted 09 December 2004 04:52 AM
profile
Hey Toby, my main Tele has a HipShot bender in it right now. I use the flip lever for the A string and drop it to G as I've got Keith/Scruggs tuners (ala Clarence White) installed on both E strings so I can get an open G tuning all the way across. Do you know Mike Perlowin? He has a HipShot on an electric 12 string guitar. He says he just threads both B strings through the hole and it works fine. I'd like to try that if I could fine a suitable elect. 12 string. Dan, no I don't have one of those Phil Baugh type units but I wish I did. For a different type of bender, I made one once after meeting a guy (Steve Oshier) from upstate New York who had a strange unit on his guitar. I was made from a bicycle brake handle with the choke cable. The brake handle was what you hooked your guitar strap to and you'd push down just like a P/W. The choke cable was hooked to a pulling mechanism and it actually worked pretty good. I made mine with a part of an old Emmons cross rod and a ShoBud bell crank and some other items. Mine played pretty easy but didn't stay in tune that well but the one I tried to copy worked very good but the action was kinda stiff. Have a good 'un..JH ------------------ |
|
Dan Sawyer Member From: Studio City, California, USA |
posted 10 December 2004 12:07 PM
profile
Bump. (Hoping for a reply from Tim Wallis.) |
|
Tim Harr Member From: East Peoria, Illinois |
posted 15 December 2004 09:03 PM
profile
Bump for Timara Benders |
|
Tim Wallis Member From: Warrensburg, Illinois |
posted 16 December 2004 07:08 AM
profile
Thanks for the compliment Tim Harr. That means a lot to me coming from such an awesome player!!! I look forward to jamming with Tim Harr soon. If any of you get an opportunity to jam with him don't pass it up. He flat out gets it! Tim Walis |
|
Jerry Hayes Member From: Virginia Beach, Va. |
posted 17 December 2004 07:42 AM
profile
Well, I did it....I borrowed a very nice Tele from a friend of mine which was equipped with a Parsons/White B-Bender. I took it to the gig last night along with my HipShot equipped Tele just for an on the job comparison. Wow, there was no comparison! The HipShot kicks the P/W's butt big time. I'd forgotton how stiff and uncomfortable they were. I'll probably change my mind about getting a Shelton now. Remember that the HipShot has no spring to fight as it's only the string tension which you're pulling against. I do a lot of subtle half step bends and some harmonic things which I wasn't aware I've been doing. They just weren't possible or were very cumbersome to try on a P/W. I think the HipShot is kinda ugly but I really believe I'm gonna stick with the thing. They're cool...JH ------------------ |
|
Roger Rettig Member From: NAPLES, FL |
posted 17 December 2004 10:28 AM
profile
Jerry Try a 'Glaser' if you have the opportunity - it has an extremely light and deft feel, and the tension is adjustable, too. It's the best I've tried. My old P/W stays in the closet! RR |
|
Tim Wallis Member From: Warrensburg, Illinois |
posted 27 July 2005 06:10 AM
profile
Hey all, check out the Tate's Drop D Tuner when ya get a chance. www.Axxx.net Tim |
|
Charlie McDonald Member From: Lubbock, Texas, USA |
posted 27 July 2005 06:43 AM
profile
Anyone use the EZBender? Looks good to me... |
|
Chris Forbes Member From: Beltsville, MD, USA |
posted 27 July 2005 08:59 AM
profile
Just a plug for my buddy Jeff Mosby who installs the Shelton system. Nice dude, does great work, does incredible leather work (straps, etc. etc.) and is also a wicked good guitar player too!!!!!! I really enjoyed the few times I got to play with him at the Bowery when he was with the Bounty Hunters. |
|
Jerry Hayes Member From: Virginia Beach, Va. |
posted 27 July 2005 10:16 AM
profile
Well here it is about 8 months later since I first started this post and a lot has changed! On my main Tele I now have a P/W type bender made and installed by Mike Nihen of Fairfax, Va. AKA "Stringpull" and I'm totally happy with the unit. Mike does great work and his turnaround time is fantastic. He only had my guitar for two weeks? I still use a HipShot on my Schecter Strat, a Bigsby Palm Pedal on my Ibanez Artist, and an Epiphone EZ Bender on my Epiphone Sheraton. I still think that if all benders in the world were discontinued except one, I'd hope it would be the Bigsby Palm Pedal. It was my first bender and still my favorite by far....JH in Va. ------------------ |
|
Stephen Gambrell Member From: Ware Shoals, South Carolina, USA |
posted 27 July 2005 05:28 PM
profile
I just got a BEAUTY of a guitar strap from Jeff Mosby, for a birthday present---Any of you guys want a strap, call Jeff, he's a real good dude, and does incredible work. But he told me that he no longer installs the Shelton bender--taking too much time away from his other stuff. Too bad, cause the only thing that would look better on my Tele than Jeff's strap, would be Jeff's strap pulling on a bender that HE installed! |
|
db Member From: Bethlehem, PA 18015 USA |
posted 27 July 2005 06:40 PM
profile
Hey Jerry, I think that these are the best "B-Benders" out there! I spotted them about 4 years ago. I direct all "B-Bender" inquiries their way. They are the least "intrusive" and are not very expensive. Do you know if they can make a "G" bender or a two-string bender set-up? ------------------ |
All times are Pacific (US) | next newest topic | next oldest topic |
 |
|
Contact Us | The Pedal Steel Pages
Note: Messages not explicitly copyrighted are in the Public Domain.
Powered by Infopop www.infopop.com © 2000
Ultimate Bulletin Board 5.46