Hipshot String Retainer Placement.

[AK Bass Guy]

Trying to mount string retainer to headstock before installing neck into pocket. Does this method seem terribly wrong, any recommendations on a better technique?

Thanks for your time.

 

[LoveThatBass]

Whatever works

 

[klattman]

Pretty much what I do but I just mark it with the strings on and in the retainer. As long as the strings end up straight viewed from the front, you are good.

 

[sissy kathy]

I've never done it that way but it looks good to me.

 

[AK Bass Guy]

OK, I went for it and checked level from nut to retainer. Here it is.
Fingers crossed it works with actual strings, it should everything is on center.

 

[sissy kathy]

Having the strings in a straight line is an aesthetic. Not important functionally, remember the retainer is DESIGNED to deflect the strings.

 

[klattman]

Having the strings in a straight line is an aesthetic. Not important functionally, remember the retainer is DESIGNED to deflect the strings.

Yes straight from top looks nice and the retainer will deflect them down. I don’t want them deflected at all sideways in the nut because that encourages catching while tuning. Would have to be far off to make a big difference I suppose…

 

[CoughSyrup]

Just out of curiosity, why not wait until the neck is on the body and actual strings are installed?

 

[sissy kathy]

Just out of curiosity, why not wait until the neck is on the body and actual strings are installed?

That's what I would have done, but I'm told there's more than one way to skin a cat. The method used works and that is all that matters.

 

[AK Bass Guy]

Just out of curiosity, why not wait until the neck is on the body and actual strings are installed?

3 reasons. 1 something to do while I wait for my bridge to show up, it’s the only thing left I can do. 2 I’ve botched it in the past trying to line it up when the strings were attached. 3 first time installing that style, only ever used the classics before, so I wanted to figure out placement without a bunch of strings in the way. I’ll find out when my bridge shows up if I botched it this time.

 

[scuzzy]

It's all relegated to the headstock anyway. Won't matter at all once the neck is on the body. Looks great!