McVay Benders specializes in the design, fabrication, and installation of precision string bending mechanisms for electric guitars in New Brighton, Pennsylvania. Founded by Charlie McVay, a skilled machinist with decades of experience as a steel guitarist and steel guitar builder, the shop has earned a reputation among professional and session players for creating the most reliable bender systems available.

Charlie personally installs every McVay Bender, bringing his deep understanding of guitar mechanics, tone, and intonation to each project. His background as the staff steel guitarist for Wheeling Jamboree for over twenty years informs his meticulous approach to this specialized guitar modification work. The installations are known for their clean, precise execution‚often appearing as though the instrument was built around the bender itself.

While primarily focused on Telecaster-style guitars, McVay Benders can be installed on any guitar without a tremolo system. The shop also handles custom boutique guitar builds in collaboration with select luthiers. Artists including Brad Paisley, Kellie Pickler’s guitarist Ryan Ochsner, and numerous Nashville session players trust McVay Benders for modifications that maintain perfect intonation while adding authentic steel guitar functionality to their instruments.