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Conference napalm::guitar

Title:GUITARnotes - Where Every Note has Emotion
Notice:Discussion of the finer stringed instruments
Moderator:KDX200::COOPER
Created:Thu Aug 14 1986
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:3280
Total number of notes:61432

121.0. "Looking for Hip Shot Bass Expander" by HANDEL::KLOSTERMAN (Stevie K) Wed Dec 10 1986 16:26

	There is a little device that you attach to the tuning peg of the E
string on an electric bass that allows you to detune it to any interval down to
C with the flick of a switch.  It's called the Hip Shot Bass Expander or
something like that.  It used to be advertised in Guitar Player magazine a
couple of years ago, but has since dissappeared. 

	Has anyone seen a store or outfit that carries them in the Mass area,
and, if so, do you know how much it costs?
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121.1Update on Hip ShotBRAHMS::KLOSTERMANStevie KSun Jan 26 1986 14:3115
	In case anyone's interested, I found a place that carries them.  It's
called Center Stage Music on Moody Street in Waltham.  Real small place, but
they'll order the Hip Shot and install it on most basses for $50 or so.  

	It requires no modifications to the instrument at all, although in some
cases a direct match of the tuning key may be a problem if you have a highly
stylized instrument.  

	Seems to be a real neat device.  I tried out a Fender J-bass with one 
and it kept tune perfectly.  If your nut snags a little bit, you need to pull
the string, but you could easily change tuning in a song without a problem.

	I'd hoped that you could set different stops so that you could tune
to any semi-tone interval down to low C, but you can only set it for one
interval.  Probably not that big of a problem.
121.2More guitar gadgetsGUMDRP::KELLYJWed Jan 29 1986 16:4232
    An analog to the Hip Shot bass 'widget' is the 'B-bender'.  Used
    on the B string of a guitar (typically), the bender allows the player
    to raise or lower (either/or...not both) the string a whole tone
    by pushing the guitar down against the front strap mount.  Through
    a series of levers, the strap button movement (about 1/2 inch, I
    think) is translated into moving the string ball retainer in the
    appropriate direction.  These units are EXPENSIVE...like $140 plus
    your guitar gets severely modified.  Does anyone out there know
    of a local outfit thast does this mod?  I've only seen one place
    in LA that does it.
    
    Other guitar widgets:
    
    	o Bigsby "Palm Pedals" - Like tiny whammy bars (two of 'em)
                                 typically attached to the B and E strings
    
        o B-Bender, rev. 2.0   - Ultimately provides the same function
                                 the B-Bender ref'd above, but works
                                 via a lever that extends over the 'tail'
                                 of the guitar; you press it against
                                 your hip.
    
    As a pedal steel player, it drives me crazy not to be able to get
    the same bends on the guitar.  I've seen Albert Lee use a B-Bender
    (rev. 1.0) and it was hot!  Graham Parsons had one, but I never
    saw him play it live.
    
    Any other little goodies out there that I can fantasize about?
    
    Regards,
    Johnny Jupiter