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Lakland Owners Group #69

Also interesting is the the direction to file string accommodations into the end of the fingerboard when in the past I thought the accepted practice was as I noted previously: "down enough for sufficient string pressure but not so far that the string is actually contacting the finish or fretboard wood on the tuner side. Should be able to slip paper or see light between the string and neck behind the nut." which is how I have done it for years now. Not doubting the experts, just a new and counterintuitive bit of info I am seeing for the first time. Finding string groove in the finger board end was always a sign of someone that didn't know the proper adjustment method.
 
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Also interesting is the the direction to file string accommodations into the end of the fingerboard when in the past I thought the accepted practice was as I noted previously: "down enough for sufficient string pressure but not so far that the string is actually contacting the finish or fretboard wood on the tuner side. Should be able to slip paper or see light between the string and neck behind the nut." which is how I have done it for years now. Not doubting the experts, just a new and counterintuitive bit of info I am seeing for the first time. Finding string groove in the finger board end was always a sign of someone that didn't know the proper adjustment method.
My Lakland 44-64 fretless has the fretboard filed behind the nut to accommodate the strings.
 
My Lakland 44-64 fretless has the fretboard filed behind the nut to accommodate the strings.
Same here with my J-Sonic, but those nut slot heights are considerably lower than the fretted necks. Many of my DJ5 and other models never touched the end of the fretboard and there are no markings at all. That said, it's nice to now have cover if there ever are markings or to add or clean up what's already there as a correct practice and not be considered damage.
 
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Yeah I am a bit blown away by this. Other than making a string change easier I cannot see one viable reason someone would want to do that. No harm if Carl or anyone else wants to but by design there is no technical reason this should happen. Weird.

Same; I can not see any logical reason why they would recommend removing the bar. It's not like it's hard to run the string under the bar when restringing. And as an added complication, I now need* a screwdriver around when changing strings?

*or I would, if I were to actually to start doing this
 
Same; I can not see any logical reason why they would recommend removing the bar. It's not like it's hard to run the string under the bar when restringing. And as an added complication, I now need* a screwdriver around when changing strings?

*or I would, if I were to actually to start doing this
People were displeased about having to work around the bar to put strings on. There were comments about the perceived cheapness of it, and misinformation as to how to use it. So, I explained that it could be removed and tried to help even more by explaining how it's a genius design- simple, effective, and adjustable for desired break angle, and for various string gauges. But… alas… trying to help people online is often a huge waste of time and effort.

Carl told me earlier that he can't get on Talkbass. I totally understand what he means.
 
People were displeased about having to work around the bar to put strings on. There were comments about the perceived cheapness of it, and misinformation as to how to use it. So, I explained that it could be removed and tried to help even more by explaining how it's a genius design- simple, effective, and adjustable for desired break angle, and for various string gauges. But… alas… trying to help people online is often a huge waste of time and effort.

Carl told me earlier that he can't get on Talkbass. I totally understand what he means.

Oh, I like the design of it, and the benefit of the added break angle is undeniable. I was just saying that I can not see the benefit of recommending it be removed and put back for string changes.

I never doubted that it could be removed for string changes, but the fact that it seemed to be the actual recommended way of doing it was what had me pretty damn surprised. Absolutely no offense intended.

This is a predominantly gear-related forum, and almost everyone here are massive gear nerds (or they wouldn't be here at all), so opinions are going to fly in all directions. If they didn't, places like this would not be here at all for lack of activity.
 
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Sadowsky used to use the bar and switched to the retainer. Both are fine. I never had any issues and never removed it during string changes. The retainer is easier with string changes but both designs do what they are supposed to do.
4B800F77-1197-4E25-B38F-69809B9D9364.jpeg
 
I've never had an issue with the bar and find it visually and aesthetically pleasing. The screws are countersunk and flush. It accommodates all five strings. It's easy to remove (especially for cleaning). And, likely more critically, it allows for a straight string path from the nut to the tuner.

I mean, look at the strings passing through the retainer on the Sadowsky. If you don't get it placed correctly, this is what happens.

IMG_0242.jpeg


P.S. Owned several super strats when I was younger with these types of string retainers and often took them off when changing strings, especially when cleaning the guitar. 30 seconds on either end of a string change to remove/re-install isn't that burdensome and, like some have indicated, you don't need to do it if it is too much.
 
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Oh, I like the design of it, and the benefit of the added break angle is undeniable. I was just saying that I can not see the benefit of recommending it be removed and put back for string changes.

I never doubted that it could be removed for string changes, but the fact that it seemed to be the actual recommended way of doing it was what had me pretty damn surprised. Absolutely no offense intended.

This is a predominantly gear-related forum, and almost everyone here are massive gear nerds (or they wouldn't be here at all), so opinions are going to fly in all directions. If they didn't, places like this would not be here at all for lack of activity.
No offense taken from your post. I just need to disconnect from social media for a while, especially Facebook groups. The "Bass Players" group being the worst that I've seen so far. I need a break and a recharge.
 
No offense taken from your post. I just need to disconnect from social media for a while, especially Facebook groups. The "Bass Players" group being the worst that I've seen so far. I need a break and a recharge.

Facebook kept suggesting that group to me so I joined and lasted one day. And I LIKE sarcasm and snark but it was just too much.
 
No offense taken from your post. I just need to disconnect from social media for a while, especially Facebook groups. The "Bass Players" group being the worst that I've seen so far. I need a break and a recharge.
You are so right on that. I followed that group for a week or so and dumped out yesterday as it was the most tedious and useless thing I'd been a part of in a long time.

And I will second the no offense sentiment. I know it's silly to get as wonked out on something as materially insignificant as a string retainer bar but there is a side of me that enjoys that level of conversation and debate. It holds my interest longer than say a "what's the best string" or "flats or wounds on my fretless" does anymore.
 
No offense taken from your post. I just need to disconnect from social media for a while, especially Facebook groups. The "Bass Players" group being the worst that I've seen so far. I need a break and a recharge.

Commented on another thread earlier: TB is a model of decorum compared to the fb group. Who knew there could be so many people always ready to lead with their chin?
 

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