A Hipshot b-bender with an extra lever to bend the G to an A, and a toggle to lower the bottom E to a D!
Like most things we haven't done before, I came across a couple of problems. First up is that the Hipshot units aren't compatible with the standard ASAT Classic bridge. The saddle screws are in the way of where holes need to be, so you need to be using a 3-saddle bridge. Luckily I had one, albeit attached to another guitar. It's one of those hideously overpriced Glendale units. I drilled a few holes in it for the strings to pass though.
Those of you with an eye for detail may have noticed that I drilled 4 four holes. I got the one for the low E a bit off to the side (I wish I had a centre punch). Those with an even keener eye for detail will notice that I drilled a hole for the high E instead of the G. That would become problem number 3. Problem number 2 is this:
The extra long screw for securing the unit to the body of the guitar doesn't fit inside the strap buttons. Luckily I know how to solve that problem using a drill and a file:
I got the unit installed and strung the E, A and D strings before I realised I'd left out the hole for the G. So I removed the bridge again, clamped it up again, and drilled another hole this time in the right place....
Fast forward an hour or so and it's installed, calibrated, the guitar has had it's second full setup in as many weeks
My first impression about the unit is that it gets in the way of my picking hand. To pick near the saddles my hand is hard up to what I'm going to call the G string activator. I can imagine it getting knocked when strumming too wildly. Fortunately it's a very well made unit and so far my strumming has failed to knock anything by accident, but the real test for that will be at the next gig.
Here's a 'Pros Vs. Cons' list
Pros
# Can do bends otherwise very difficult/impossible without one
# Dont have to turn the tuning key to go into drop-d tuning
# Looks really cool
Cons
# Requires tuning
# Takes away some of the t-style charm. It's no longer a plank with strings...
# Hinders picking hand movement
# Will require some case butchering to get the lid to shut
# Requires maintenance (greasing up whenever you change strings
So is it a permanent fixture? Perhaps. I have to learn how to implement it into my playing before I can really decide whether it's worth the hassle.
Thanks for looking!
Even simply using the G string activator felt awkward to me and afterwards it stays in the way until you have time to push it out. I hated it. The effects of the E-D toggle can be easily duplicated by simply turning the tuning machines, and they don't get in the way of your picking hand. YMMV.