Do Warmoth Precison and/or Jazz Bass Necks need a string retainer?

[PRUNEFACE]

Do Warmoth necks (the non-angled ones) need a string retainer? if so, how do you know where to install? How do you choose the "correct" retainer?

[line6man]

Warmoth necks are no different than any other straight headstock necks, so yes.

You just put the string retainer where you want it, mark the hole(s) and drill, then screw it in. The actual location is not all that important, just as long as you're getting a good downward tension over the nut.

Personally, I prefer the Hipshot 3 string retainer, as all of the strings bend back evenly over the nut. Usually the A string sticks up higher than the rest with the round retainers you see on Fenders.

[stingray69]

Originally Posted by line6man

Warmoth necks are no different than any other straight headstock necks, so yes.

You just put the string retainer where you want it, mark the hole(s) and drill, then screw it in. The actual location is not all that important, just as long as you're getting a good downward tension over the nut.

Personally, I prefer the Hipshot 3 string retainer, as all of the strings bend back evenly over the nut. Usually the A string sticks up higher than the rest with the round retainers you see on Fenders.

Same here - plus they look sharp. Only like ten bucks or less most places.

As line6man stated, location isn't too important other than getting decent downward pressure and maybe perhaps ensuring you're not getting it too close to the truss rod access hole.

So regardless of what retainer type you end up with, it may not hurt to put your truss rod wrench in place (in the actual truss rod nut) before choosing your final mounting location. Just to make sure you're not blocking yourself from easy access or making adjustments. Can't go too wrong really - piece of cake.