String tree for A string???

[jk3]

seems to me the A string should slot through a string tree just as the D & G strings do on most fender basses. the tension is always less than the other 3 strings, and the A string never resonates as cleanly as the other strings. this is for any 4 inline tuner type bass ive ever played.

is there a good reason for the total disregard of the A string??
is there any reason to NOT install a string tree that would include the A string???

thanks
btw, did a search - couldnt find anything

[manjar]

If you're looking to do some work on the instrument already, I don't see the harm in having it on the A string. I have had basses where if the A string didn't wrap enough times down the tuning head (bending it down toward the head much the way a tree would) it would create a kind of damping or wolf tone that was truly nasty (it would go away when I pushed down on the A string between the nut and the tuning head).

The Sadowsky Metro 5 that I recently bought has the tree going across all five strings, i.e. including the E and even low B. Certainly doesn't seem to hurt.

[deaf pea]

Originally Posted by jk3

seems to me the A string should slot through a string tree just as the D & G strings do on most fender basses.

I agree . . .

My early '59 Pbass has had an extra string tree (for the D and A strings) for so long that I don't remember WHEN I put it on there . . .





(or is that because of the Alzheimer's? )

[pkr2]

Originally Posted by jk3

seems to me the A string should slot through a string tree just as the D & G strings do on most fender basses. the tension is always less than the other 3 strings, and the A string never resonates as cleanly as the other strings. this is for any 4 inline tuner type bass ive ever played.

is there a good reason for the total disregard of the A string??
is there any reason to NOT install a string tree that would include the A string???

thanks
btw, did a search - couldnt find anything

A string tree on the E and usually the A is actually redundant.

The purpose of a string tree is to increase the break angle between the nut and the tuning key. If the string is wound on the peg with the turns coming off the bottom of the peg, there is already a huge break angle on the E string, and a more than adequate break angle on the A string, since those pegs are physically closer to the nut.

I wouldn't want to put a screw in the headstock, that was in a grain line that went into the bore for the key. It creates a risk for a split that terminates in the bore. It'll be hard to avoid on both the E and A.

Not to dispute the tonal difference that you hear. If you're at all like me, you'll try it for your self, anyway.

[jk3]

thanks for the feedback.

has anyone changed the tree configuration on their Fender?

the angle of my A string sticks out like a sore thumb (even with a well strung string), and when i press down on the string (between the nut and tuner) the sustain and vibration is much tighter...

also, is this the reason Music Man evolved to the 3 + 1??
with that arrangement the E is the same (no need for the tree)
the A & D slot thru the tree, and the G tuner is located closer to the nut than the A (relative to 4 inline heads)...

[joel the bass player]

I use to have a Squire Jazz that needed one, but i have moved on. It doesn't seem to be a problem on my MIA P, but I always remember to make sure there is plenty of winds on the A string tuner so that it will wind down as far as possible. The problem was worse on the Squire though. Needed it wound all the way down!

[Stereo Joe]

I use this on all my Fender-style basses:
http://www.hipshotproducts.com/cart....t_detail&p=236

It's great!

[WJGreer]

Originally Posted by pkr2

The purpose of a string tree is to increase the break angle between the nut and the tuning key. If the string is wound on the peg with the turns coming off the bottom of the peg, there is already a huge break angle on the E string, and a more than adequate break angle on the A string, since those pegs are physically closer to the nut.

I wouldn't want to put a screw in the headstock, that was in a grain line that went into the bore for the key. It creates a risk for a split that terminates in the bore. It'll be hard to avoid on both the E and A.

This is what we refer to as an "informed post". +1.

[Webtroll]

Originally Posted by joel the bass player

I always remember to make sure there is plenty of winds on the A string tuner so that it will wind down as far as possible.

I don't go down as far as possible but a few turns of the A string should bring you close to the bottom of the post and increase your pressure. Personally I don't like a hard break like the ones caused by string tees behind the nut unless the tee is tall; with good string winding it's just not necessary.

[sublime0bass]

if you dont like the angle, try wrapping a lady's hair scrunchie right after the nut on the strings (like a capo on the wrong side of the nut)

it helps

[joel the bass player]

Originally Posted by Webtroll

I don't go down as far as possible but a few turns of the A string should bring you close to the bottom of the post and increase your pressure. Personally I don't like a hard break like the ones caused by string tees behind the nut unless the tee is tall; with good string winding it's just not necessary.

I think the Squire that I had back then had some nut issues as well, so that probably added to the problem. I never have to worry on my 55-02's though as they have a retainer accross all the strings. And I love my 55-02's.

[MixBass]

I put a straight bar across all the strings on my old P. Not the slightest problem other than decreasing the value of a bass I'll never sell. I put a round one on an old jazz for the A. Same story.

[Benji5678]

Yes i also use the hipshot 3 string string guide on my MIA jazz bass, i used to have buzzing ocationally in the nut but this fixed it for good. simple install too.

[JimmyM]

I remember seeing Jeff Berlin with an extra string tree on his old Jazz Bass. I tried it, but I was able to accomplish the same thing by just wrapping more string around the A post. So I pulled it off.