Invention of the StringBender (B-Bender) guitar

Gene Parsons tells the great story about the invention of the StringBender (or B-Bender) guitar. Includes a handy tutorial on how the mechanism actually works. Invaluable stuff. An extra feature from the DVD, "The Byrds: Under Review."

To read more about Clarence White and to listen to tracks from throughout his career, please visit www.adioslounge.com.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• TheByrds
• ClarenceWhite
• GeneParsons
• StringBenderGuitar

[idrathernotthannever]

thats is not an ol guy with a mustache as much as a mustache with a an ol guy

[coleguitars]

@adioslounge The P/W bender allows counterpoint where we can lower one string while raising another (nearly impossible to do with just finger bending). Additionally when you have both a B-Bender and a G-Bender you can do counter point on the B & G strings with just the Benders. Lastly these Benders are can be preset to a specific interval. But the simple answer is that the Parsons/White Benders allow a player to play things which simply cannot be played with finger-bending alone.

[taariqtaariq]

@Nekroguitar NO, that is what is good about it.The man is  a brilliant inventor and craftsman.

[taariqtaariq]

@TheHansFredriksen I have a parsons /white Bender: yes you can just string up a string Bender fitted tele  as per usual or use the pull hub behind the bridge. The thing is if your string bender is installed by Mr gene Parsons it won't activate unless you want it to. That spring is just the right tension.

[taariqtaariq]

@TempestaRiggs I got one this week. It is effing brilliant!

[taariqtaariq]

@barkatthemoon81 the nashville Parsons/ Green string bender teles are not as good as the real parsons/white string benders. G and L make better guitars than Fender do  so get a G and L and then get Gene to install one for you .

[1046rzac]

Clarence played a B Bender on "Pinto Pony" by Paul Siebel on Jack Knife Gypsy.

[taariqtaariq]

@Sucker4a6String I am getting mine back from Gene next month .

[taariqtaariq]

@hogknackers Pagey has a Gene Parsons fitted B Bender in his Telecaster too.

[taariqtaariq]

@bareknuckles2u yep!!! it has cost me over USD$ 3,500 to get the whole thing done my Mr Parsons. I bought a G and L ASAT  classic just for this purpose and sent it to California from Australia where I live !!!. Now am I crazy or what ?

[taariqtaariq]

I am getting  mine back from gene this month , Jan. '12.

:-)

[barkatthemoon81]

One day, I'm going to go into a guitar shop and they'll actually have one of those Fender Nashville teles that ship with these stock so I can try it out. Until then, all I have is hope and YouTube. :(