b benders

[Samuel Phillippe]

I have an 8 string lap steel that I play on occasions and have been toying with the idea of using a b bender.
My question to you experienced players is, is it worth putting one on and if so what brand do you suggest.

Thank you
Sam

[Michael Lester]

Over several years I have toyed with single and double benders on borrowed lap steels with the intent of adding a hint of pedal steel to my lap steel playing.

I failed at every attempt. The lever(s) were always in the way. Holding the levers down while using the bent notes put my right hand in an awkward position and made it difficult to get back to my normal 'rest' position. Made a lot more 'off' notes because my hand was out of position.

Finally, the guys in the band were not impressed. They were kind about it, but "not sure it made much difference".

[D Schubert]

My exerience has been the same. Wrist and palm levers allow you to do a few cool licks, but they're generally in the way. Interfere with right hand picking, especially when you're trying to hold them down.

[Samuel Phillippe]

Thanks for your input. I guess I might save some money and think about this a little longer.

Sam

[Joseph Lazo]

I have a lap steel with Certano B and G string benders. For about two months, I found it extremely awkward to do anything with them. Then it became less awkward. Actuation of the levers does require changing your hand position, which is still a bit awkward to me, but once you accept the limitations and work within them it's pretty cool to be able to mimic pedal steel licks on a lap steel. Holding down a lever while playing IS quite awkward, though.

If you look on YouTube, there are demos that show what's possible with these benders. My biggest issue with these levers is that they will rotate from side to side when in use and I have to frequently reposition them. I guess a lot of this problem is self-made due to sloppy technique on my part. I'm still working on that.

I will say this, however, with the Certano roller saddle and nut, the B and G strings stay in tune phenomenally well. I very rarely have one go out of tune, even when flailing away at the levers.

https://youtu.be/VG3cQw3OCTU?si=Ba-ap1GWF2Gv6zQm

[K Maul]

I’ve had a few different ones over the years but I like the Certano benders best. Not expensive and easy to install since they have a small footprint. I don't use them a lot but find them handy for full minor, 6 and Sus chords plus a few licks leading into a 4 chord. It is awkward at first but with practice they work well. David Lindley said, when I showed him the levers on my Supro several years ago, “these are very useful”. That’s my opinion, too. I have Certanos on one neck tuned lo-hi BEF#G#(toA)B(toC#)E and a Stringtone pitch changer on the other giving me GBDGBD,DADF#AD or DADF#BD.
YES…a very useful tool. PS: keep the nut lubed with Teflon spray or graphite or get a Hipshot roller nut.

[Bill Hatcher]

Do it! Anything you add to your arsenal that can help you realize your musical thought is worth it. Yes you will have to adapt…but it will be worth it.