String Tree needed, but which one

[96tbird]

I have been replacing all my 2-string trees with 3-string trees and find the A is now much better. I found Hipshot clones online for cheap. So what if there is an extra hole? The sound difference is worth it.

Plus your headstock looks as cool as this head!

 

[fhm555]

I've got three Fender-shaped basses currently and I've owned four other actual Fender basses. The ones I owned in the past were made in the U.S. and Japan. One was made early in 1965 and the others made in the '80s and '90s.

Granted it's not a big sample size but I've never had this problem with A strings on Fender or type basses. I've seen others talk about having this problem though. I suspect it's due how people, who experience this problem, install their strings.

Yep, I've run through a lot of MIM J basses in the last several years and not a single one had any A string rattle that could not be fixed by a little touch up of the A string slot on the machine head side of the nut. Same for all my MIA J basses.

 

[DaveParker39]

We've been through this. Recently I believe. It is just as plausible that a huge percentage of people do not know how to change their strings correctly. Regardless, it's not necessary to put more hardware on a Fender neck to get the A string to not buzz. No need to drill extra holes and make your head stock look like a collection of washers. Just keep the string low on the post. It's easiest with more wraps.

I realize the assumption is "operator error until proven otherwise" but you will just have to trust me that we know how to wind strings.

Yep, I've run through a lot of MIM J basses in the last several years and not a single one had any A string rattle that could not be fixed by a little touch up of the A string slot on the machine head side of the nut. Same for all my MIA J basses.

Unfortunately, that fix didn't work for us. We've tried the string slot, shimming the tuner (previous owner had put a popsicle stick between the back of the tuner and the headstock, unbeknownst to me, which only slightly helped) a million attempts at winding the string differently, different strings, the Fender Stealth String retainer, and so far the only remedy that has worked is zip-tying the A string to the D string behind the nut.

 

[fhm555]

I realize the assumption is "operator error until proven otherwise" but you will just have to trust me that we know how to wind strings.

Unfortunately, that fix didn't work for us. We've tried the string slot, shimming the tuner (previous owner had put a popsicle stick between the back of the tuner and the headstock, unbeknownst to me, which only slightly helped) a million attempts at winding the string differently, different strings, the Fender Stealth String retainer, and so far the only remedy that has worked is zip-tying the A string to the D string behind the nut.

Man, that really blows. Hope you can work it out.

 

[Lownote38]

I realize the assumption is "operator error until proven otherwise" but you will just have to trust me that we know how to wind strings.

Unfortunately, that fix didn't work for us. We've tried the string slot, shimming the tuner (previous owner had put a popsicle stick between the back of the tuner and the headstock, unbeknownst to me, which only slightly helped) a million attempts at winding the string differently, different strings, the Fender Stealth String retainer, and so far the only remedy that has worked is zip-tying the A string to the D string behind the nut.

I wasn't assuming operator error. I was answering to the assertion that Leo Fender's design has been flawed for nearly 3/4 of a century. If you're winding the string as low as possible around that tuner, then I stand corrected.

 

[DaveParker39]

I wasn't assuming operator error. I was answering to the assertion that Leo Fender's design has been flawed for nearly 3/4 of a century. If you're winding the string as low as possible around that tuner, then I stand corrected.

Understood. Yes the string is as low as it can be.

 

[JRA]

Thoughts?

FWIW, i use the bars to get three (or all four) of the strings on my FSOs. i angle them to get four strings.

sorry about the fuzzy stuff but they're cropped from larger pics:


my tilt-back headstocks are a joy compared to the fender design, but i just decided to go for 'resolution' rather than elegance, so it is what it is! but good luck with your own solution!

 

[Lenny JG]

Try just throwing a gruv gear fret wrap on it. Also this may sound stupid, but the tuner bolt is tightened enough, right?

 

[DaveParker39]

Try just throwing a gruv gear fret wrap on it. Also this may sound stupid, but the tuner bolt is tightened enough, right?

haven't tried the fret wrap, but yes we have tried reseating and reinstalling the tuning machines.