Abstract: Acoustic well logging method and system employing a bender-type transducer as a point source of an acoustic shear wave. The bender-type transducer includes opposed unrestricted planar surfaces mounted within a liquid filled compartment within the tool. The unrestricted surfaces of the transducer are spaced longitudinally along the axis of the tool and exposed to the coupling liquid. One or more bender-type transducers may also be employed as acoustic receivers in the tools. The active surfaces of the receiving transducers are oriented in substantially the same direction as the active surfaces of the transmitting transducer.