Need two Bendmaster FT string retainers

i am looking for two of the claw string retainers for a bendmaster ft.. i need two of them.. i would consider buying a broken trem unit and removing them myself.. but all i really need is two string retainers.. mine are black but chrome ones would work out ok.. these are the claws that hold the ball end of the string in the trem.. they are mounted on a bar/pin that sits on top of the block.. any help would be appreciated.. thanks !!!

Hi,

is that the same type used on a Spectrum Fx/LX guitar. I have the same problem but only one is broken, can't seem to find replacements anywhere, was thinking of selling mine for parts, but seems a shame when it's in good condition and an amazing guitar, but useless because one piece of metal has sheered off.

Joss

Joss,
I have the same problem with my LX but was able to loop the string round the remaining metal stub where the string ball end should slot. This has served me well for over a year now and the guitar remains fully playable. Hope this helps.
Fraser.

Fraser.

wow, thanks. I will try this out, and see if it works.

Joss

Oooh, nasty, chaps.... and chap-ess; I suppose the only options are to either a) replace the bridge with a modern equivalent, keeping the OEM one for later resale value, or b) just hanging out for a clunker Westone to come up on eBay for parts.

On balance, I reckon that the modern replacement could be a viable option; colt933 has loads of experience with replacing Bendmasters and may have an opinion to offer???? But Joss, don't sell it on, mate - they're a great guitar and if you've got an FX then that's as good as a Spectrum gets!

I've fixed it, I couldn't see how to loop it around, but managed to kind of wedge it to the side of the remainder of the string retaining thing.

i had to take of the thing above it with the spring, then put that back. Will be a nightmare if the string breaks at a gig, but its working for now.

joss wrote:I've fixed it, I couldn't see how to loop it around, but managed to kind of wedge it to the side of the remainder of the string retaining thing.
i had to take of the thing above it with the spring, then put that back. Will be a nightmare if the string breaks at a gig, but its working for now.

That's good news Joss.
And bad news too I guess if it decides to break! But hey, let's stay positive eh?
I'm sure an off the shelf replacement is possible, and if it is, one of the whizzes here will let you know!

Meantime just go easy on the dive bombing!

I had the same problem of one broken string retainer with my Spectrum LX. A gunsmith was able to make similar part for me. Only negative thing is that the new part is shiny steel and others are black. I was too lazy to paint mine but I suppose it is possible too.

So my advise is to ask local gunsmith to do the part for you.

i live way out in the boodocks and i a msure that there is no one withing 500 miles who could make one for me if not farther than that.. if your guy can still make them i will buy a few from him.. i have 3 bendmasters and spare parts are always good.. chrome is ok too..

I'll ask...

Since these claws seem to be an issue on the Bendmaster, does anyone have any ideas for a replacement tremolo for the Bendmaster FT?

G'day Thawn... oh, dear; not at all ideal!! All I can suggest is that you do the rounds of the music shops in your area and beyond with your busted bit, and see what they have in their spares boxes - that's how I found mine!! I was going to make one until I found one; some good sharp files and a hacksaw wouldn't break the bank, or alternatively get one made but that's gonna cost in a major fashion!

There is no alternative to this for this bridge; the other alternative is going down the replacement bridge route...

The trem arm - or one similar to it - can be sourced from Stewmac or similar, and the coverplate can be made; all of the measurements for a Spectrum trem cover can be found in here somewhere...

Middle p'up is a bit more problematic; are you sure the p'up is at fault; it's not the selector pull pot, or something is it??

Are you gonna show us what you've got??

I found someone locally that wanted the guitar for parts. The way he talked, he was going to move some parts from another Westone to this one.

Hello Thawn. Sorry to hear that you're having some troubles with this 'ole gal. Overall she looks to be in good condition though.
Repairing the trem is a nasty little problem but not impossible to remedy given enough persistence, and everything else is easily fixable.

I notice in your close up picture of the bridge that the bass E string very much on an angle and the string is riding too close to the edge of the fret board as a result. Of course it's off the pickup pole too. It looks like the intonation has not been set correctly and too many saddles are touching end to end instead of 'nesting'. Was this a deliberate effort to shore up the damaged area I wonder?

For comparison see mine here:
LINK 1
LINK 2