Mike Bender or Richard Harris ( Bluegrass )

[JE54]

To people who have used / owned both a Bender and a bluegrass. I'm wondering what are the differences ? I know the hit is subjective but does the hit feel different ? Is the quality / workmanship of the cue, in one better then the other ? I know what the Bender's are like, but I'm trying to determine what the bluegrass is like. What would you compare the hit of the bluegrass too ?

 

[rayjay]

I have owned both and personally prefer the Bender, although both build fine cues. I found the Bluegrass to be stiffer with less feel/feedback. They both use parabolic tapers in shafts and butt, beginning with David Paul Kersenbrock who Mike apprenticed with, as did Jerry Franklin (Southwest) and Ed Young. Design and inlay is very different between the two makers, and personal taste rules. Hopefully, you can play both before you buy.

 

[JE54]

Thanks for the reply. I've got 3 Benders, so I know the quality of them. What would you say the difference in the design is ? Would you compare the bluegrass to a South West or something else ?

 

[Ktown D]

Thanks for the reply. I've got 3 Benders, so I know the quality of them. What would you say the difference in the design is ? Would you compare the bluegrass to a South West or something else ?

I personally think Bluegrass cues are not as nice looking as SW's or Benders. The BG was too stiff (unforgiving) for me. Benders and SW's are both *stiff* cues but have more feel and easier to control IMO.

 

[or1pkt]

I personally think Bluegrass cues are not as nice looking as SW's or Benders. The BG was too stiff (unforgiving) for me. Benders and SW's are both *stiff* cues but have more feel and easier to control IMO.

I agree with this summary...all i would add is that of the 3 mentioned i think Bender is the best built of the three,,,jmo

 

[rayjay]

Thanks for the reply. I've got 3 Benders, so I know the quality of them. What would you say the difference in the design is ? Would you compare the bluegrass to a South West or something else ?

I think Bluegrass is simpler design, Bender is more complicated/intricate.

 

[JE54]

Thanks for the replies and pm's..................