How to Make Simple Palm Bender For Lap Steel Guitar

In this video I'll show you how to make DIY spoon palm bender for Harley Benton Slider II.
First palm bender for my lap steel guitar I made two months ago from spoon handle.
In video, I don't show cutting spoon, because I cut it at work.
I hope, video will help you!

[@jeffreyfassino2666]

who woulda thunk, McGiver plays lap steel!! you’re a GENIUS!

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Thank you very much ☺️

[@trevorbest-gn2dq]

I dont know why, but for some reason I started looking at KZbin videos of B Bender attachnents tonight and came to the conclusion that all manufacterers of these were price fixing. There is no way I would pay $150 - $300 for an "experiment" I thought there has to be a simple way to do this and voila! your video came up just as I was thinking a stainless steel teaspoon handle would be strong enough for this. Ironically, within the last few weeks I have bought a ring spoon bender ( to make rings, obvs) but producing these would be a lot more lucrative and easier than making rings . A big THANK YOU.

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Thank you! Im glad, you like the video and the idea too. :)

[@bobbyjoe72]

Wow! Thanks for this, how companies always over charge for benders like this when you can make your own with a little bit of diy. You are a genius!

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Thank you very much! 😊 I appreciate your words😊

[@chrisball8080]

Well I know what I'll be making this weekend! Thank you so much. What a great idea, cheap and simple to make. I'll go and borrow two spoons from the kitchen draw now! LOL Thanks again. Regards, Chris (OZ). 🙃🦘

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Thank you very much for your comment! You are welcome. 🙂

[@meyermusic9426]

Very innovative and creative!! I love the idea! Cant wait to try this!! I find it nuts that people make these and sell them for 300 to 400 a pop...

[@freesiaboysince]

Wow!! it's awesome simple single string bend up whammy bar!! I'll try to make it♪

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Hi, thank you! Its much fun to play with it.

[@robbadapple6085]

Well, that's my tomorrow sorted! Making one of these! Thank you Next day edit... I made one! It works a treat, love it. I changed the design slightly cos my bridge is different as I hand built it but all is good! Gonna make one for my Tele tomorrow ;)

[@johnmitchelljr]

Well done. Inspiring. What more needs to be said. Thanks for sharing. I’m heading to the thrift store.

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Thank you🙏🙂

[@rootstudio247]

Rock’n roll. That’s an amazing hack. Love it 😊

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Thank you!! ☺️☺️

[@mir9302]

Really cool idea. Thank you so much. I was thinking of buying the HB lapsteel and this looks like a great mod for it.

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Thank you for your comment. I appreciate it😊

[@MrBillyischilly]

Might I suggest we nickname this “The Uri Geller system” after the original spoon bender? Amazing video! Will definitely try!

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Thank you :)

[@cbjb5551]

Nice DIY innovation! I want to try with my guitar.

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Thank you😊

[@ArkRed1]

A person emailed me with more detailed instructions, and now I understand how this works. I'll put one on my Tele tomorrow with a roller bridge saddle I built. Thanks for your help and patience.

[@iancaspers7731]

do you still have the instructions?

[@WardWickford]

Great video. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Thank you, you are welcome 🙂

[@almannino3153]

Thank you thank you thank you. You are a genius! So cool!

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Thank you for your kind comment! I appreciate it ☺️

[@bernalarchitecture]

Wow! I needed this video!

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Thank you for your comment 🙂

[@patrickpuzzo416]

Thank you! I love this!

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Hi! You are welcome. Im glad you like it ☺️

[@waynedavies3185]

Excellent idea.

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Thank you very much! 😊🙏

[@piotrszencel9783]

Omg, you just made my day. Going to dig out my 🥄 🤜🏻🤛🏻

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Haa, thank you for your comment! 🙂

[@MatEffect]

Absolutely brilliant

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Thank you! 😊🙏

[@danieldaly8489]

Now that was great ! Cool

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Thank you very much!

[@apanikka]

That was really cool!

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Thank you!🙏🙏🙂

[@ayisa001]

Yes, what a great "hack" Thanks so much, will surely do this myself...

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Thank you! It’s really easy and effective🙂

[@briandietrich1373]

Very cool!

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Thank you!

[@thesoundchekguy]

Incredible.

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Thank you! 🙂

[@PYbootlegs]

What a great DIY video! I've just bought a Harley Benton because i don't have enough money for a lapsteel with benders. I will study all the possibilities of the C6 tuning with hawaiian music and celtic breton in minor as well, but your video gave me to dream about more 🤗. I would like to ear how your "tricky" system sounds!

[@PYbootlegs]

Sorry, i've found the video that sounds!

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Thank you very much. Im happy you enjoyed it😊

[@PYbootlegs]

@@PineHillSoundStudio de verdad! Thanks 🤗❤️

[@moosey62]

Ho-HO! Brilliant!! Thanks.🥸🥸

[@TMIWUD]

cool! i just ordered a harley Benton one and a MIDIbox to it.. have to buy a ebow for it too. really good idea w this one, saves poor musician a bit.. thanks!

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Thank you very much! Do it! Its fun to play with it😊

[@TMIWUD]

@@PineHillSoundStudio i have to raid my grandmothers old spoons! :D i'm thinking of maybe adding a twist on the spoon for additional strength.. we'll see how it works on practise..

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Then let me know how it works when you make it😊 She will be happy😄

[@reallyniceaudio]

superb sir!!!

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Thank you! 🙏🙂

[@RafaelNelvam]

Thank you for this!

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Hi Rafael you are welcome😊

[@cryptkeeper5]

Very cool

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Thank you☺️

[@nicumarinoiu5358]

good idea !

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Thank you!

[@DrLumpy]

Nice job. Ptolemy would be proud. It really is a nice job. I'm thinkin' punk rock lap players could use a fork, reverse the mounting so the fork tines were the palm handle, and shape the fork into a "Finger salute". Maybe yacht rock players could use a spork. I see endless possibilities.

[@user-wl7rb5ri5m]

Clever.👌🏻

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Thank you!

[@frequencymanipulator]

LEGEND. I have a harley, this looks like it would be a fun project.

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Thank you! When its done right it works very well… and its realy fun with it! 🙂

[@frequencymanipulator]

@@PineHillSoundStudio I'm going to the charity shop for some spoons!!!

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

They have the best ones! 😄

[@z74d-oy2uj]

Great!

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Thank you! :)

[@Darrenleerocker]

I wonder if it would be posable to make a B&G bender? I might have to try. Thanks for the great idea!🤠

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Hi, I have idea for G bender too, but I must build it first. Thank you for your comment! If you’ll do it, let me know☺️

[@DrLumpy]

How about - Saw the work piece spoon lengthwise, resulting in two long halves. Reverse the spoon mounting end so that the (shortened) "spoon handle ends" attach to the bridge and the "spoon bowl halves" hang out in palming position, rounded spoon bottom up, toward your palm. Shorten/narrow/bend the spoon handles as desired for bridge attachment and fine tuners, as you did in this video. I'm picturing valve levers on a clarinet or a sax. Grind and shape the spoon bowl down to as large or as little as you like, symmetrical or not. The palming points (the back of the spoon) will sit a fraction of an inch more proud from the lever. Maybe gets the levers a little out of the way of each other. End result might retain some kind of groovy, original engraving, tool marks, blood stains.

[@AncientEgo]

Thank you!!!

[@jamesrobert6571]

Genius.

[@robertviens6104]

Great Idea! Any verdict on how much this shortens the string life? I mean, Is the longevity enough to survive a live gig,keeping in mind that it's not used all the time(even sparingly). As one commentor said :" Well, that's my tomorrow sorted! " Thanks.

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Hi Robert, I have the same strings on my lap steel maybe more than year? I play it not too much, but bended string holds well. 😊

[@thabrock]

Love the video. 2 questions: how did you cut the spoon and what tuning do you use?

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Hi, thank you. I cut spoon with grinder and tuning is DGDGBE. Thank you for your comment 🙂

[@FrankOWahl]

That's neat. Now can we fashion one for a 3 saddle bridge?

[@ivannio8519]

Great idea. Thank you :) Great sounding music too

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Thanks! 😊

[@tonyscantailpeocio2374]

Super!!!!

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Thank you!

[@eddiepostell2521]

What roller bridge are you using? I want to change my SX lap steel and make benders for this. Need to replace the bridge. SX lap steel has 3/8 string spacing. What do you suggest?

[@amarelasector]

GENIO 👏

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Thank you very much 😊

[@lukasschliepkorte3019]

Fantastic idea! Don't the height screws of the saddle dig into the bridge itself over time?

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Hi, thank you! 😊 I didn't notice it, we'll see after some time…🙂

[@harriehoutman5154]

Nice! Music too, cool groove, reminds be a bit of the movie searching for sugarman. Well done!

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Thank you! 😊

[@joeyramonelookalike]

Out of curiosity, does it make it prone to breaking the bent string? did you replace that string with a different gauge (which one?)?

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Hi, Joey, I have .12 gauge set strings on it. String on bender still stay strong after one month of playing.

[@TomBVoxman]

Thanks so much for this. I just made my own. Helpful hint, the spoon I used was a little too thick to work with. But then I was only using hand tools to bend and probably the wrong drill bit and it took awhile to drill through. I’ll probably try it again with a thinner spoon. One other thing: what if my B string is going out of tune when I B bend?

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

You are welcome🙂 When string is properly set, it must be in tune. And when you bend, you tune your whole tone with fine tuner 🙂

[@tombishel6534]

@@PineHillSoundStudiothanks. I've made my second prototype. The fine tuning screw comes down on the string but misses the saddle. I'll keep experimenting.

[@TomBVoxman]

@@PineHillSoundStudio does the fine tuning screw/bolt scratch the saddle? And does it matter where that hole actually is, in relation to the saddle? Perhaps one can attach a felt pad to the saddle to keep it from getting scratched.

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

@TomBVoxman Nut that I used, is best option, It must touch saddle precise, because of strictly tuning. When I press lever, it must ne in tune. And I dont think, it would scratch saddle anyway. Thank you! 🙂

[@Jenisonc]

So awesome!!! Question, if you dont mind. When you fine tune the non passing nut.. It is shortened to just slightly enough to come in contact with the saddle to pull the string back. Is this correct?

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Hi! If I understand your question right, it's correct. Thank you for your comment :)

[@BigfootPreston]

In theory would it be possible to install two of these "spoon-benders" and adjust them like the 2nd string raises one step up and the third string rises a half step up in tune? (Just like the Certano or the Multibender can do.) Great hack by the way, thank you. :)

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Hi Andrew! Its possible, but they’ll be too close to each other. Im working on ideas on this thing too :) When I do it, I’ll post video too. Thank you very much for your comment!

[@Milan-by7lo]

Big fan of this whole concept, did you ever get around to working on the idea? Would be super helpful (though having two of them next to each other would require some very specific positioning I imagine) great stuff anyhow!

[@brianscotter]

I'm doing similar on one of my designs, but my plan is to twist and bend to the sides or use a pipe bender to get some curves out.@@PineHillSoundStudio

[@Sean-nj3hx]

How do you keep it tuned?

[@nkimotski]

hey, is fine tuner screw really necessary? it stops you from bending say, for example, more than two semi-tones up? am i getting this right?

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Hi, its tuner for precise half or one tone up. You can push it hard, and its still in tune. But, it works without fine tunner too, but its uncomfortable. And yes you get it right 🙂 Thank you for your comment.

[@edwardmaher4880]

Clever

[@jpgirbon1152]

bravo très astucieux..et beaucoup moins cher que les benders comme Duesenberg et autres Certano

[@TomBVoxman]

Is it at all risky putting the guitar in a hardshell case once the bender is installed?

[@Blandified]

Do you think you could easily do the same thing for a duo bender? like the 2nd string bend a whole step and the 3rd string bend half step? Or is there not enough space? I just ordered an SX Lap Steel 2 with P90s.

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Hi! There is not enough space for two levers with this system, like you said :(

[@acontracanto]

It can be applied to my strato which leads the string to the inside?

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Hi Jaime, maybe it wil be work, but lever will move only saddle.

[@cmhmusic983]

I actually made one & put it on a guitar I built. Worked great till the string broke. What guage string would you recommend ?

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Hi, where the bender is, .16 works very well. Im using D’addario strings. Thank you for your comment!

[@arvidsmith1038]

I tried benders similar , There is a problem in that the mechanism tilts side to side slightly but just enough to not hold the desired intonation consistently

[@ArkRed1]

Are the strings coming from underneath the guitar body to the bridge or straight under the saddle?

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Hi, strings are comming from back of the bridge then under the saddle and then out. Thank you for your commend 🙂

[@ArkRed1]

This means that six extra holes need to be above or below the original six holes in the bridge? Is this a stock Fender type bridge, or does the bridge need modification?

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Hi, No, it works with original bridge holes 🙂 It’s something a like tele bridge🙂

[@sgtBicho]

Great! Is this a serving/soup spoon or a tea spoon? How long is after you cut it, before bending it? I just need to find a wider enough one, all my spoons got really thin towards the end 😂

[@jorgeblessed3563]

Solo que deberás tener varios juegos de cuerdas ...eso no soportará la fricción con el puente

[@71kevman]

Will this work on a tele with top loader bridge? I can't think of any reason why it wouldn't, but I'm kind of thick.

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

In my opinion it will, but it will limit strumming hand for example, palm muting. I can imagine do it differently, lever can go under the bridge, something like bigsby, but it would be more complicated mechanism. Thank you for your comment.🙂

[@daveconleysinger]

Can you make a dual brnder with spoons? Or are they tto wide?

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

I don't think it would be comfortable to play with it. Because they would be too close to each other. 🙂

[@ArkRed1]

There are 12 holes in the bridge in the video. The standard Tele bridge just has just six holes for the saddle screws. What is the make of this bridge that you are using in the video?

[@rabokarabekian409]

The usual term is "top loader". For sale everywhere.

[@squidface7952]

💥 noice. Does it stay in tune ok?

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Hi, its stay in tune well. Thank you for your comment😊

[@ArkRed1]

Something like a Tele bridge. Is it a Chinese Tele copy bridge? My Tele bridge has six holes for the saddle screws only. Where can I purchase this bridge with the extra six holes to hold the strings?

[@rabokarabekian409]

Aliexpress, Amazon, etc. = tele top loader

[@joserams2000]

which kind of small scews are you using?

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Hi, standard metric screws M20 and m16

[@outerbanks854]

Does the adjustment screw touçh the string when you press it down?

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Hi, no it doesnt touch it. Its touch saddle behind the string. Thank you for your comment.

[@outerbanks854]

Definitely going to try this one

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

@@outerbanks854 it's fun to play with it. Try it :)

[@rebelyelleasyrider]

How long does the handle have to be cut to?

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Hi, Its on you. Shortest will be harder to push. Longer will be softer. In video, its maybe 12 cm long (4.72 inch)

[@reverendayglow]

I'm going to give this a try. I'd like to ask, are there any downsides to this?

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Hi, its fun play this lap steel with it. I think, there are no downsides. Try it🙂 Happy new year!

[@reverendayglow]

Thanks, I believe I will! I only wondered how hard it is to calibrate for full tone and and semitone accuracy--or is it a matter of just gaining experience with its use? I have not played a bender yet so I would not know.@@PineHillSoundStudio

[@AncientEgo]

I guess you could add this to 2 or 3 stringa if you use a skinny enough spoon handle eh?

[@AncientEgo]

And really nice song btw!

[@moshegalimidi2302]

just save me some moneyyyy thanks

[@RWvideoproductions]

Will this work with C6 tuning on lap steel?? I have Gear4Music version of Harley Benton Slider.

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

I think, it will work with C6 too.

[@RWvideoproductions]

@@PineHillSoundStudio will in fact be using open G tuning hopefully bender will also work in open G??

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

@@RWvideoproductions Of course 😊

[@RWvideoproductions]

@@PineHillSoundStudio the strings on the lap steel I am building come up through the body of the guitar before passing over the bridge saddles so I am assuming this bender can`t be fitted??

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

If is space under the saddle screw, you can drill a hole for string in this place. And it will works like in video.

[@mikevogue1]

Is that a song you recorded with it?

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Hi Michael, licks in video was recorded with it. If you want, chceck another video on my channel with it. I recorded short song, only guitar and lap steel. Thank you for your comment.

[@mjvox4321]

will this work on a telecaster mhhh

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Hi, it will work with top load bridge. If you got strings through body, then drill a hole behind the string which you want band. If there is a space for a hole. Thank you for your comment :)

[@SmeeUncleJoe]

Anyone planning to do this on a strat or tele, I don't see it working at all as there are no string holes through the bridge. I got everything done and made and realized that the string hole is the problem. Will it work with the string going through the body ? I'll give it a try.

[@SmeeUncleJoe]

Tried and failed. String through body causes the bridge lug to hug the bridge plate and not return after bending. Could only get a semitone, ie B to C. Stronger spring did not help. I can't see drilling a hole in the bridge for the string either as that would leave the string resting on the sharp edges of the hole and would surely break in no time.

[@BryanClark-gk6ie]

@@SmeeUncleJoe 6 saddles or 3 saddle bridge?

[@SmeeUncleJoe]

6 just like a strat.@@BryanClark-gk6ie

[@BryanClark-gk6ie]

@@SmeeUncleJoe The saddle adjustment screw' drill a small hole through it' big enough for the string to pass through' run the string through it. Matney USA benders will sell you a predrilled screw for a few $$$. You can Google his phone number and information.

[@davidsparks6146]

How come there isn't a sound demo?

[@LovinMusic1965]

It's the song during the video. Hello

[@HowToBeFree]

A demonstration would have been nice.

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Hi, here it is. kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3m2qqZsmpWEptksi=7NFPVhCiLNhnheWo

[@Ibaneddie76]

We don't get to see and hear it in action? Cool video anyway!

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Hi! Here it is😊 kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3m2qqZsmpWEptk

[@muxicom]

crack!

[@RobotronSage]

There's no way this actually works right ?????

[@RobotronSage]

(brb about to deck out my guiitar with 6 fecking spoon handles they will call me 6 spoon mcgee)

[@skeggiskjeldarson6639]

A shame that it did not work. If it had worked the proud engineer would have shared the beautiful sound from his creation.

[@PineHillSoundStudio]

Here it is: Harley Benton Slider II - DIY Palm Bender kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3m2qqZsmpWEptk