How do you install a 3 string retainer?

[jlepre]

I am modding my Schecter Diamond P 5, and switching out the 2 string retainer for a 3 string Hipshot retainer.
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Is there a standard placement for this piece? Should it be so many inches from the nut?

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[mech]

Install it closer to the A string tuner post to cut down on the severity of the angle coming off the nut. Try it out with the strings loose to see how it looks. You may want to radius the edge of the nut slots on the peghead side to help prevent the strings catching there while tuning. Easy does it on making the radius and don't touch the side of the slots on the fretboard side..

mech

 

[96tbird]

Like Mech says, you want to angle your slots so the string only contacts the fret side of the nut. I use a sharpie to make a dot in the slots on the fb side as a guide; after each pass of the file check and make sure you haven't filed the dot off.

 

[jlepre]

Like Mech says, you want to angle your slots so the string only contacts the fret side of the nut. I use a sharpie to make a dot in the slots on the fb side as a guide; after each pass of the file check and make sure you haven't filed the dot off.

I honestly have no idea what you're talking about. No disrespect, but I just want to know if the pictured headstock is the correct way to install this particular string retainer.

 

[mech]

I honestly have no idea what you're talking about. No disrespect, but I just want to know if the pictured headstock is the correct way to install this particular string retainer.

Yes.

 

[kurosawa]

Here's how I did it, and the exact distance to the nut doesn't make much difference so long as the strings aren't pulled sideways in their run from the tuner to the nut, you just eyeball it:

 

[jlepre]

Thanks! One more question. Is it better to have a retainer that covers ALL 5 strings, or does it not matter?

 

[96tbird]

I honestly have no idea what you're talking about. No disrespect, but I just want to know if the pictured headstock is the correct way to install this particular string retainer.

Thing is, you're changing the string break angle on the newly retained string. You need to ensure the nut is set up properly for the change. There is a possibility that the increased angle will seat the string at the back of the nut and intonation will be impaired. Do it right. Educate yourself on these things Or not. It's your bass.

 

[jlepre]

OK I understand what you were saying now. So what you're saying is that be sure that the string break sits on the fretboard side and NOT the headstock side of the nut.

So positioning the retainer too close to the nut could make the string break closer to the headstock, is that correct?

OR are you saying I MAY need to file the nut?

 

[96tbird]

Right. Part one of what you said.

 

[jlepre]

OK I understand what you were saying now. So what you're saying is that be sure that the string break sits on the fretboard side and NOT the headstock side of the nut.

So positioning the retainer too close to the nut could make the string break closer to the headstock, is that correct?

OR are you saying I MAY need to file the nut?

Right. Part one of what you said.

What about the rest?

 

[96tbird]

Your nut slots must always be angled down toward the tuners such that the string is not contacting the nut on that side. It should only contact a small point on the fret board side.

In other words, the slot angle should be greater than the string angle.

 

[jlepre]

Ahhh gotcha!
Thanks for your patience explaining to a rank amateur when it comes to stuff like this.

 

[mech]

Thanks! One more question. Is it better to have a retainer that covers ALL 5 strings, or does it not matter?

On Fender style pegheads, the A sting is normally the string that benefits the most from having a string retainer. A retainer increases the break angle and downward pressure on the nut and keeps the string from rattling in the nut slot.

A retainer is rarely needed on the E. Since the distance between the nut and the E string tuner is so short and the string so large, a retainer on the E would put a huge downward pressure on the string at the nut and that can cause tuning problems since the string may bind where it is bent and not be able to move freely.

Every time you tune, the string has to move through any place it is bent and reform itself.

96tbird...thanks. Guess I was only paying half attention due to Himmicane Isaac.

jlepre..Do a search for "break angle" posts in this forum. You'll get some more good info concerning interaction between the strings and the parts they touch.

mech

 

[jlepre]

Thanks Mech, I will do that.

 

[jlepre]

What kind of file should I use to file the nut? I got the retainer, and plan to install it tonight, but not sure I have the right type of file if I need to file down the nut.

 

[96tbird]

You can get needle files that will do the job. Some have used old strings as files with or without emery paper wrapped around them. You want to be careful not to get the slot too wide or lower it on the fretboard side.

 

[jlepre]

Thanks. The old string method sound a little less invasive. I may try that.

 

[mech]

Thanks. The old string method sound a little less invasive. I may try that.

It will help to black the bottom of the slots with a pencil to see where you're actually removing material. As 96tbird said, make sure the "file" doesn't touch the portion of the slot toward the neck. I'd leave at least a quarter of the nut thickness untouched.

mech

 

[jlepre]

Thanks. I'm going to use a sharpie that was mentioned earlier.