Why Doesn't Fender Offer These As Standard Equipment?

[PolkaHero]

Why doesn't Fender offer their Stealth String Retainers a stock part on all of their bass guitars? I just ordered one for my new American Professional Jazz Bass and it fit perfectly. My MIA Deluxe Jazz came with it standard. It's only a $15 part that probably costs them not even half that amount, why not just make it standard on all models?

Slowly piece by piece I'm getting my Jazz Bass which weighs only 7.5 pounds closer to a Sadowsky for less than half of the price even with the upgrades figured in (preamp, stealth retainer, Hipshot Bass Extender, etc.)!

 

[lz4005]

Because they aren't necessary if you install the strings correctly, winding them in one layer to the bottom of the post.

 

[PolkaHero]

Because they aren't necessary if you install the strings correctly, winding them in one layer to the bottom of the post.

I've done that for years already. It still helps with the string tension with it installed. So that begs the question why do they offer them at all on their "higher end" models?

 

[lz4005]

I've done that for years already. It still helps with the string tension with it installed. So that begs the question why do they offer them at all on their "higher end" models?

It does not in any way change string tension.

 

[PolkaHero]

It does not in any way change string tension.

So why does Sadowsky use a triple or even a quad string tree on all of his basses?

 

[lz4005]

So why does Sadowsky use a triple or even a quad string tree on all of his basses?

There are advantages to increased downforce and uniform break angle over the nut. They have nothing to do with how many pounds of pressure you have to exert with the tuner to get the string to pitch. Which is what tension is and which is not changed by downforce or break angle.

 

[Sid the Kid]

They really only work to remove buzzing behind the nut from improper string installation/not enough wraps. I have put them on my B tuners before and experienced a placebo effect of a tighter string and tone improvement.

As you said they are inexpensive, and most players don’t even know they don’t need one. Slap them on all your Fenders and enjoy!

 

[lz4005]

When you're ready to answer my original question and done with the smart**# remarks feel free to chime in again.

I did answer your question. Sadowsky uses those retainers because .... and then exactly what you quoted that I said.

 

[PolkaHero]

They really only work to remove buzzing behind the nut from improper string installation/not enough wraps. I have put them on my B tuners before and experienced a placebo effect of a tighter string and tone improvement.

As you said they are inexpensive, and most players don’t even know they don’t need one. Slap them on all your Fenders and enjoy!

That's exactly why I installed it, to remove the buzzing behind the nut with the open A string plucked hard. Definitely makes a difference.

 

[PolkaHero]

I did answer your question. Sadowsky uses those retainers because .... and then exactly what you quoted that I said.

No, you didn't. Original question was why doesn't Fender offer this on all their basses?

 

[lz4005]

No, you didn't. Original question was why doesn't Fender offer this on all their basses?

You quoted my answer to that question in post #3.

 

[Sid the Kid]

Yeah, I always have troubles with the A buzzing on a flat headstock.

I really think that Fender doesn’t care. They aren’t trying to improve, just churn out the same old product year after year. It works and a lot of people love them. I’m grateful they offer this solution and as stated earlier it is $15. If Warwick made one it would be at least $100.

 

[wvbass]

When you're ready to answer my original question and done with the smart**# remarks feel free to chime in again.

You are both right.

I would say that they are an added gadget that isn't completely without usefulness, but they have zero impact on a Fender buyer's decision to purchase. So, they don't get included. I am a little surprised they don't put them on the Elites/Ultra/Deluxe/Whatevers and market the snot out of that fact that they do. I assume it comes down to a cost per verses increased sales estimate.

They don't affect string tension, or at least if they do, you compensate by tuning your bass to get the tension right so that you are in tune. They do add some "downforce," so if you struggle with a rattling nut (that's what she said), then these might help.

 

[Jeff Hughes]

I put these on my A strings, and I think they had minimal effect. But I guess it is lucky can buy them at all. I saw these on a new Fender bass, and when I called Fender to see if I could order just the stealth, they told me they were not available standalone.

I guess something changed. I found three and scooped them up fast.

 

[PolkaHero]

I put these on my A strings, and I think they had minimal effect. But I guess it is lucky can buy them at all. I saw these on a new Fender bass, and when I called Fender to see if I could order just the stealth, they told me they were not available standalone.

I guess something changed. I found three and scooped them up fast.

I called Fender last week and they told me you can order them direct from them.

 

[FunkHead]

I would much rather Fender use an angled headstock. But the retainer is a good idea, especially for those who aren’t aware of the A string buzz fix. ie; wrapping string all the down to the bushing.

 

[PolkaHero]

Yeah, I always have troubles with the A buzzing on a flat headstock.

I really think that Fender doesn’t care. They aren’t trying to improve, just churn out the same old product year after year. It works and a lot of people love them. I’m grateful they offer this solution and as stated earlier it is $15. If Warwick made one it would be at least $100.

Disagree with Fender not trying to improve. This 2018 Jazz is better than my 2009 Deluxe (lighter, satin finish on back of neck, V-mod pickups, etc.) and my 2009 MIA Deluxe is way better than the late 90s/early 2000s MIA Jazz Deluxes I've owned (stealth retainer, better pickups, better preamp, better balanced, etc.).

 

[lz4005]

I am a little surprised they don't put them on the Elites/Ultra/Deluxe/Whatevers and market the snot out of that fact that they do.

Doing that would force them to answer the question in the title of this thread.

They're an accessory, like the strap locks and heavy duty hex wrenches they sometimes include with their higher end basses. Unnecessary, but, as you said, not completely useless.

 

[wvbass]

Doing that would force them to answer the question in the title of this thread.

They're an accessory, like the strap locks and heavy duty hex wrenches they sometimes include with their higher end basses. Unnecessary, but, as you said, not completely useless.

Well, Fender is the company that for decades provided the Schaller strap pins but not the Schaller strap locks. That is almost helpful.

 

[PolkaHero]

Well, Fender is the company that for decades provided the Schaller strap pins but not the Schaller strap locks. That is almost helpful.

Lol, guess they assumed their customers preferred Schallers vs. Dunlops. Installing Dunlop pins was the first thing I did as soon as I got the bass.