Never underestimate string retainers!

[Erlend_G]

I installed another string retainer on my stratocaster (D and G string), and the result is shocking. Much more punch, body and presence on those strings, along with more midrange, resonance and warmth overall.

I don't understand why Fender don't ship their guitars like this stock.

-Erlend

 

[jeremy]

Re: Never underestimate string retainers!

its cheaper not to, and it can mess with tuning stability when using the trem or even big bends. i do agree that the increased down angle can make a noticable difference

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: Never underestimate string retainers!

Do what now? 2 string trees?

 

[Pink Unicorn Horsey]

Re: Never underestimate string retainers!

How do string retainers—I'm assuming a string retainer is the same thing as a string tree—help with tone?

- Keith

 

[Vasshu the humanoid typhoon]

Re: Never underestimate string retainers!

Dunno...by adding preasure...I always remove them when I can, recutting the nut and get some tuners that have posts that can move up and down.

 

[WhoFan]

Re: Never underestimate string retainers!

by adding more downward pressure to the nut the strings do transfer more vibrations into the neck... i've been thinking of adding a 2nd one on my MIM strat that likes to let the G string ring out loudly behind the nut! it's a pain as the PU's do pick up that high pitch ringing sound... so far a little nut fileing has not silenced it...

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: Never underestimate string retainers!

Do what now? 2 string trees?

Still confused and curious --- please clarify just what the heck we're talking about

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: Never underestimate string retainers!

Still confused and curious --- please clarify just what the heck we're talking about

You were right, he's talking about putting a string tree on D & G strings.

I agree with Rid, and prefer tuners with staggered posts and no trees at all. Less string trees = more room for behind the nut bends, and better tuning stability.

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: Never underestimate string retainers!

My MIA Stratocaster already has a D+G string tree stock --- are we talking about 2 string trees on the D+G strings?

 

[j9fd3s]

Re: Never underestimate string retainers!

i like to use the trem bar, and there are a few different string tree/retainers.

the MIA strats have two 1 piece units. the bit where the string rides is just round. so the string can slide around. with a lubed nut, it stays in tune pretty much no matter what, i can even throw it on the ground....

the MIM strats, and others, have one 2 piece tree. this is the stamped steel one, it totally looks like the strings will get bound up. i dont like to use these, although if you're not careful the high e can pop out of the nut.

the third, which i dont have any of, is the screw with washer on top, these also look like it would bind strings.

 

[Sanford]

Re: Never underestimate string retainers!

I like angled headstocks.

 

[Erlend_G]

Re: Never underestimate string retainers!

My guitar just came with one string tree, and that was on the E and B strings.

 

[Lazarus1140]

Re: Never underestimate string retainers!

I prefer the roller type. Like an idiot, I ordered several from different sources and only one really fit well with the string spacing on my MIM strat .... and I don't know whether it was the one I bought it from Stew Mac, Warmoth, or Carvin.

I am talking about a replacement for the standard B/E tee. It did vastly improve the strings returning to pitch after trem use.

 

[Lazarus1140]

Re: Never underestimate string retainers!

i like angled headstocks.

+1

 

[phil_104]

Re: Never underestimate string retainers!

I like angled headstocks.

Masive +1. My prs CE24 has a nice angle on the head, with locking tuners. That guitar has the best tuning stability with the trem and for bends that I have ever seen in a guitar that I could try.

 

[Pierre]

Re: Never underestimate string retainers!

I have two on my Strat and she stays in tune just fine. I do big bends everyday and I retune about once every three days or so. I didn't even need to redo the nut!

Like Rid, the only way I'd get rid of these is if I got tuners that have much lower poles. I do like a sharper angle and the trees help. They don't bother me right now but I do feel put off behind the nut bends due to lack of space, and I'd love to incorporate them in my playing.

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: Never underestimate string retainers!

I installed another string retainer on my stratocaster (D and G string)

You were right, he's talking about putting a string tree on D & G strings.

....are we talking about 2 string trees on the D+G strings?

Dude....

 

[tc]

Re: Never underestimate string retainers!

I took the D/G one out of my Washburn with the tremolo.

If it's that much of a difference, why not just use a retainer bar? So much simple...

 

[Pink Unicorn Horsey]

Re: Never underestimate string retainers!

I took the D/G one out of my Washburn with the tremolo.

If it's that much of a difference, why not just use a retainer bar? So much simple...

But then all six strings are pulled down. I'm assuming there are times when you don't want that with the lower strings. This is all new territory for me, so if I start sounding like an idiot, just tell me to go crap in a hat.

- Keith