B-Blender Source?

Tom Jordan · From: Wichita, KS

I've been searching for the source of the B-Blender but keep running into dead ends. I would really like to put one on on my Gretsch 5657T. I Have a Nashville Tele with a Parson-Green, and former HipShot user.

I was fortunate to be able to play a metal body "Dobrato" and the bender looks to be an exact representation of the B-Blender. I emailed the shop owner (also a PSG player) and he is not willing to sell the unit separate from his guitars.

I understand and I enjoyed speaking with him...but, where do I find the B-Blender? It is possible that Dobrato Guitars bought the rights or is even the original builder but I don't know.

Anyone have any insight?

Thank you,

Tom

Greg Cutshaw · From: Corry, PA, USA

https://b-blender.com/ (2021 status)

I was sure you meant Bender until I looked up Blander! And I'm pretty sure you've all the stuff I've posted below.

From here:

https://www.gretsch-talk.com/threads/the-b-blender.124355/

JIMBEND
Newbie · From Honeoye Falls NY
Joined Nov 20, 2014
Last seen Oct 11, 2018

B and g both?

I make the B-Blender, and in fact made a sample with holes for both B and G strings. The problem was that the much wider area at the point where the strings attach, blocked easy access to the normal attachment pin for whichever string was not being bent. Normally, this was the G string. It seemed more practical to make the vertical area as narrow as possible, and add the adapter plate for the G string, in case anyone wanted to bend the G. Actually, I haven't heard of anyone using the G adapter yet; if anyone reading this forum does use it, please let me know!

Mike Auman · From: North Texas, USA

Tom, the B-Blender was manufactured and sold by Jim Alday, he closed up shop several years ago. I've got one that I'm not using, with the G-bender adapter plate, all the parts and the instructions. You can PM or email me if you want it.

_________________
Long-time guitar player, now wrestling with lap steel.

Tom Jordan · From: Wichita, KS

Mike, PM sent.

Greg, it is a cool unit for a Bigsby. The lever still works up and down as it should (tremelo) on every string but B and the B is a "pinkypull" towards you. Spring/string loaded, left or lateral pull.

Tom

Jerry Overstreet · From: Louisville Ky

I got one of these on this cheap chinese import. I have mine mounted on the F Bigsby on a Vibramate adapter with threaded saddles. I also use a Zero Glide nut and a D drop.

Fun guitar. $500 worth of hardware on a hunnerd dollar donor guitar. 🤑 🤪

One thing I have to deal with is the hysteresis of the B string not coming back true which requires a little bump of the lever...not a big deal once you realize it and know how to deal with it.

Tom Jordan · From: Wichita, KS

Cool, Jerry Cool

Thanks to Mike, I've located a B-Blender! I'll be happy to install it on my Gretsch.

I mentioned "Dobrato" and should have included the link, as it is worth a look. A relative has one of the metal body round necks with the B- bender and it really is a great guitar. Built in Colorado!

I'm always interested in seeing a new string bending gadget.

https://dobrato.com/

Tom

Mike Auman · From: North Texas, USA

Tom, I'm glad we connected.

Since the B-Blender installation and maintenance documents are no longer available, I thought I'd post them here for future reference. Mike

_________________
Long-time guitar player, now wrestling with lap steel.

Tom Jordan · From: Wichita, KS

Thumbs' up, Mike!

Tom

Forum Index > Almost a Steel Guitar		Next oldest topic :: Next newest topic

All times are GMT - 8 Hours	Jump to: