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Washer under string tree

#2
The only reason to not try is if you don’t have a washer. :D I’ve seen some string trees that are a spacer and the top, round part is separate. If yours is like that you could leave the spacer out and set the height where you want it and use washers underneath the set that height.
 
#6
Putting a washer under the string tree will raise the tree not lower it. Putting a washer upon the string tree will raise the screw not the string tree. If you want the tree lower you need to file the underside, don't file so much that you can't slip the strings under it though. Putting a washer between the strings and the tree will lower the strings but I don't think that's a good idea; you're inviting a rattle that way.
 
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#8
QCworshipbass said:
I’m thinking about putting a washer or two under the disc part of the tree to push the A string down
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sissy kathy said:
Putting a washer under the string tree will raise the tree not lower it.
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The Op states they want to put a washer under the disc part of the tree to push the string down. Between the string and the disc, a washer will push the string down.

stringtree.jpg


Putting a washer under the entire string tree will raise it. I believe OP is correct.
 
#11
Winding down to the post will not do anything as the A string on 5-string bass is under the tree. Maybe just get a shorter tree from Amazon. Many of the sellers show the dimensions. Alternatively, instead of putting a washer under, you can also just rotate the string tree 90 degrees. It has groves cut in for the strings, rotating 90 will remove the groove from the equation and lower the strings down the depth of the groove.
 
#12
C Stone said:
A washer should work fine but I would put a dab of glue between the washer and “disk” to avoid a potential rattle, better yet (as mentioned) just shorten the tree, you would probably be done…
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True but just remember that the screw will risk coming out the back of the head-stock. Measurement is required to be sure.:)
 
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#13
Never happened to me but @FunkHead makes a good point, if you need to take that much off to get the proper break measure the screw before sending it home or just order a shorter tree…new tree will come with proper length screw.
 
#15
Update…
Thanks to everyone who commented and made suggestions. I found out there was more to my issue. Upon unscrewing the tree and removing it to slide a washer under the disc part of the tree, I discovered a hole that looked to have been drilled by a three year old. A small piece of wood also came out of the hole. It appears that the hole for the tree was poorly drilled and then the person assembling the instrument tried to correct by just putting small sliver of wood in without gluing it. The tree was doomed to fail under string tension. Mind you, this is on a brand new Fender Am Pro II bass! Unfortunately, I’m leaving for a week long gig and don’t have time to send it back. I added some small slivers of wood with wood glue and let it sit overnight. This morning I carefully shaved the wood insert down to nearly flush with the headstock and sanded it very gingerly. I re-drilled the hole, and tried the original screw. It wouldn’t bite. Grrrrr… I added a bit more wood and found a screw that was just a hair wider and longer than the original that I’m happy to say it’s now holding. All of that on a brand new, American made, $1,800 instrument! Needless to say, I emailed Fender about my frustration but the main thing is my instrument is functioning well and I’m ready for the week.

Thanks again, everyone!
 

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