How does a Fender B-Bender Work? (5/2/2023)

The Fender B-Bender is a guitar accessory that allows players to mimic the sound of a pedal steel guitar by bending the B-string up a whole step. Developed in the 1960s by country guitarist and songwriter Gene Parsons, the B-Bender quickly became popular among country guitarists looking to add a unique sound to their playing.

Parsons, who was a member of the Byrds, wanted to incorporate the sound of a pedal steel guitar into his playing without having to switch instruments. He began experimenting with ways to bend the B-string on his guitar and eventually came up with the B-Bender. The B-Bender was initially created using a lever system mounted to the guitar's strap button, but later versions used a spring and lever system mounted inside the guitar's body.

The B-Bender quickly caught on among country guitarists and was used by musicians such as Clarence White, James Burton, and Marty Stuart. In the 1990s, Fender began offering the B-Bender as a factory-installed option on their Telecaster guitars. Today, there are several different types of B-Bender systems available from various manufacturers, and the B-Bender remains a popular tool for country, rock, and blues guitarists.

The B-Bender has had a significant impact on country guitar playing, allowing players to create new and unique sounds. The B-Bender has been used on countless recordings, including classic albums like Gram Parsons' "GP" and Emmylou Harris' "Elite Hotel." The B-Bender has also been used by modern guitarists such as Brad Paisley and Keith Urban, who continue to push the boundaries of country guitar playing. Overall, the B-Bender is a testament to the ingenuity of musicians who are always looking for new and exciting ways to create music.