Bass string tree?

JoeVictim · #1 02-20-2010, 03:12 PM

Hello forum. So I got some new strings, mediums, and now my A string flops out of my nut when I play an open A. Of course I didn't keep my old strings. Isn't there some kind of string tree I can get for my Squier Jazz? My bass already has a string guide for D and G, I would have to remove that right?Thanks for the help.

JustDavid · #2 02-20-2010, 03:30 PM

Normally you can get enough downward force by having the string exit the tuning machine at the bottom (towards the wood of the headstock) of the windings on the tuning machine.

JoeVictim · #3 02-20-2010, 03:36 PM

I know, I even tried using it as a longer string, giving it more wounds but with no avail. The string is just a little too wide for my nut. I don't want to have to buy another new set of strings so I thought the string tree would give enough force for it to not rattle.

JustDavid · #4 02-20-2010, 03:40 PM

Sounds like you are on the right page here.

Wouldn't hurt to check out this thread Just put some flats on my jazz and... just to make sure you're on the right page.

JoeVictim · #5 02-20-2010, 04:03 PM

Yep, I got it going downward so I am either looking at new strings again or buying a 3-4 dollar part, but I am not sure where to find a tree for E and A. Would I just use another round styled one like whats on my D and G (not sure there is enough room)? I have also seen some basses with a bar the is just beyond the nut the forces all the strings down, this is mostly in vintage basses. Would I be ok using something like that and if so, what is it called?

Going to try the paper idea first.

jetlaggemini · #6 02-20-2010, 04:09 PM

just wind the string further down the peg, cut it longer and wrap it one more time around without starting at the top of the peg.

JoeVictim · #7 02-20-2010, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jetlaggemini

just wind the string further down the peg, cut it longer and wrap it one more time around without starting at the top of the peg.

I got it going as far down as possible right now and it's a little late as the string has already been cut. back with an update after I try the paper.

JoeVictim · #8 02-20-2010, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jetlaggemini

just wind the string further down the peg, cut it longer and wrap it one more time around without starting at the top of the peg.

I got it going as far down as possible right now and it's a little late as the string has already been cut.

Tried the paper idea, it would be easier just pressing the string down with my finger. The paper mutes it a lot and is still some nasty sound there.

JoeVictim · #9 02-20-2010, 05:03 PM

What about something like this https://www.guitarpartscentral.com/s...-for-bass.html ?

**line6man** · #10 02-20-2010, 05:30 PM

Just use a Floyd Rose style retainer bar.
http://www.guitarpartsresource.com/stringguidesbar.htm

202dy · #11 02-20-2010, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeVictim

I know, I even tried using it as a longer string, giving it more wounds but with no avail. The string is just a little too wide for my nut. I don't want to have to buy another new set of strings so I thought the string tree would give enough force for it to not rattle.

Given that the string is properly wound down the post to the headstock, if the string is too wide for the nut slot the answer is to widen the slot.

ErikW · #12 02-20-2010, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 202dy

Given that the string is properly wound down the post to the headstock, if the string is too wide for the nut slot the answer is to widen the slot.

+1

walterw · #13 02-20-2010, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 202dy

Given that the string is properly wound down the post to the headstock, if the string is too wide for the nut slot the answer is to widen the slot.

+2

correct the actual problem, don't butcher the instrument.

JoeVictim · #14 02-22-2010, 07:08 AM

Where the string wants to sit is about 1mm to the right of the nut. Its like my peg bent somehow. I also used less paper and that seems to stop the buzz for now. When I get some money, I'll take it in for a proper setup It hasn't had one since I bought it back in 96', a professional one that is. I've done some adjusting here and there but I think it's time.

Beck McCartney · #15 02-22-2010, 07:18 AM

Have you considered that maybe the string is buzzing because you changed string gauges? If you went from heavy strings to mediums, they won't be putting as much tension on your neck, causing it to bow backward and making your string hit the frets. The proper solution would be to adjust your truss rod to give the neck more relief.

stflbn · #16 02-22-2010, 07:28 AM

If the string is not going down into the slot, then the slot is to small for the new string. And the bass would be horrid to play without the string down in the slot... the action on that string would be hella high.

Seems like you're either miss-explaining the problem, or miss-diagnosing what needs to be done.

The easiest solution is to post a picture of the nut/slot.

Regarding retainers... Hipshot makes 2, 3 and 4-string retainers that I prefer over the bar types. Mainly because it's greatly eaiser to remove strings without the old twisted ends scratching the headstock of your bass.

.

JoeVictim · #17 02-23-2010, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beck McCartney

Have you considered that maybe the string is buzzing because you changed string gauges? If you went from heavy strings to mediums, they won't be putting as much tension on your neck, causing it to bow backward and making your string hit the frets. The proper solution would be to adjust your truss rod to give the neck more relief.

I went from lights to mediums as explained earlier. The string is buzzing at the nut. when I put a little pressure on the string between the nut and the tuning machine the buzz goes away. Neck relief is great, nothing to do with truss rod. The string will sit in the nut barely and when I dig in on an open A note, the string pops out of the nut and makes the nastiest rattle sound ever.

Temp solution: the paper is working so far
permanent fix: go back to lights, change nut, or invest in string retainer. I'll try to get some pics up soon.

Tim Skaggs · #18 02-24-2010, 06:36 PM

I have a fretless neck that does the same. I use a small tie-wrap around the E-string, go over the "A" and around the "D". It holds the "A" firmly to the BOTTOM of the nut slot. Eventually I put a very small screw eye in the headstock between the nut and tuning post and run the "A" string through the eye. A very cheap single string tree that works very well.