• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Fender finally offers stealth string retainer for sale

Ok, this might not be a life changing event for many, but that little stealth string retainer that many of us have tried in vain to locate is now officially for sale directly from Fender.

Invalid Link Removed

Perhaps this will become a mega-thread about stealth sting retainers?

It's a heavy piece, and it does the job. $22 won't even get you a decent meal anymore.

Copied from another thread I posted on:

I'm going to jump on the "fanboy" wagon here. I have a 2013 Am Std Jazz 5 that I have probably tried $100 worth of different strings on (okay, that's only three sets, but I've tried buying "B" string singles also) and was never happy. It's a great bass in every other way, but I just hated hitting that floppy B.

I couldn't believe how much difference it made. I'm a bit disgusted with Fender that this isn't on all their 5s. They put it on the Elites, and did on the Deluxes, so they must believe it fixes something. But not on the American Standard and not on the $1599 American Professional V? Come on Fender!!

Mine - Copy.jpg
Mine 2 - Copy.jpg
 
I have a precision American standard.

I cut my A string a little short and am only getting 3 wraps. I have the string wrapped so it ends low on the post and I get a buzz when I play the string open. It goes away if I raise the string up the post about half way.
I got the stealth retainer and it didn't make the buzz go away. Thoughts?
 
I have a precision American standard.

I cut my A string a little short and am only getting 3 wraps. I have the string wrapped so it ends low on the post and I get a buzz when I play the string open. It goes away if I raise the string up the post about half way.
I got the stealth retainer and it didn't make the buzz go away. Thoughts?

Nut?
 
I have a precision American standard.

I cut my A string a little short and am only getting 3 wraps. I have the string wrapped so it ends low on the post and I get a buzz when I play the string open. It goes away if I raise the string up the post about half way.
I got the stealth retainer and it didn't make the buzz go away. Thoughts?
If the buzz is at the nut, the string retainer can be a great solution. It was for the A string on the '98 Jazz Deluxe Fretless I just picked up, because the bend angle was definitely the issue. Does it stop buzzing if you put your finger right over the nut while it's ringing?

Here's a visual of mine, if it helps. You say raise the string up the post... do you normally wrap from the top down?
IMG_8219.JPG IMG_8220.JPG
 

If the buzz is at the nut, the string retainer can be a great solution. It was for the A string on the '98 Jazz Deluxe Fretless I just picked up, because the bend angle was definitely the issue. Does it stop buzzing if you put your finger right over the nut while it's ringing?

Here's a visual of mine, if it helps. You say raise the string up the post... do you normally wrap from the top down?
View attachment 1132101 View attachment 1132102

If I hold over the nut or hold the string down, it doesn't make the buzz go away. Buzz is only on an open A. Bb is fine.

I string with the wraps starting at the top and ending as close to the base of the tuner as possible. If I finish with it wrapped about half way up the post, there isn't a buzz. I suspect maybe my nut slot is too deep.
 
I love fender, well the jazz and P bass design that is ( if you have the money spring for a Sadowsky or perhaps a Lull ). Leo Fender hit it out of the park when it comes to tone, for me. If I had the money now ( I don’t anymore but if I still did ) I would perhaps have a jazz built with a tilt/angle back neck that would not require a string retainer or stealth retainer. I do have gas for a Sadowsky Jazz, I’m sure they don’t need them. ! For now I’ll have to live with my Fender. I leave a lot more string on the A so I can wind it down the post as far as it absolutely can go to get a good angle. I do like that they are selling the MIA bridges and now the stealth bar.