Strat string trees problem

[paco1976]

Hi guys,
I got a Eric Johnson Stratocaster, with no string trees. It's got staggered tuners.
This is theory should work fine but it does not. You really need to out 1000 winds in the G string to make it sit well in the nut...
It is a bit painful.
I wouldn't like to damage or change the finish in the guitar. Do you know of any kind of sting trees that do not need screws? Something fully removable, do damage at all to the headstock?

I really appreciate your help.

 

[Bountyhunter]

I don't see how it would be possible to hold the string down toward the headstock with nothing screwed to the headstock. I would just gut a nice string tree and put it in if it's that much bother winding it.

 

[old mark]

No. I have replaced Fender Strat string trees with better quality units, but they all get screwed into the headstock.

 

[Freddy G]

Find another high E or B staggered tuner (you may have to buy the whole set) and pop it in the G position.

 

[Bountyhunter]

The G tuner is a shorty. If he puts a longer one in it will probably worsen his problem.

 

[paco1976]

Find another high E or B staggered tuner (you may have to buy the whole set) and pop it in the G position.

That is a good idea. I will keep an eye on eBay. Maybe someone sells them separately?

 

[Brazilnut]

That is a good idea. I will keep an eye on eBay. Maybe someone sells them separately?

You might call Sperzel and tell them about your problem. Their lockers are staggered, and they might send you a set of three shorties, instead of two. Or for that matter, maybe they make a replacement tuner set, so you could just buy the one you need.

One of the guitar parts stores might have what you need, but you need to talk to a knowledgable sales person, the online catalogue probably won't tell you much. I love EJ's. Best production strat Fender makes! By far.

 

[So What]

I wonder how EJ gets by without one?




.

 

[Bountyhunter]

The Fender locking tuners I use are 3 short and 3 long. The EJ has 4 long and 2 short, and no string tree?

 

[So What]

I will offer, on my own Fender guitars, I put as many wraps as I can get on the peg (one layer only) to put the string as far down as I can.

I feel this helps with the break angle off of the nut, and provides more to bind and lock the string.

I do not use the tremolo, I keep all of mine decked, btw.

Of course, I could be a dumb ass.

.

 

[questionman]

Holy crap he doesnt have one

I never noticed that

 

[kevinpaul]

You can order the roller type string trees from Amazon one per pack. They don't cost very much.

 

[mudfinger]

OP: Why is this a problem for you? Is the guitar going out of tune while you play?

 

[Freddy G]

I put as many wraps as I can get on the peg (one layer only) to put the string as far down as I can.

I feel this helps with the break angle off of the nut, and provides more to bind and lock the string.

No wraps for locking tuners.....the whole point of a locking tuner is to eliminate the inconsistency of the wraps relaxing and tightening when using the bar.

 

[Freddy G]

OP: Why is this a problem for you? Is the guitar going out of tune while you play?

He's probably getting the sympathetic vibration of the strings length from the peghead side. The sitar effect.
It's possible that the nut slot for that string could be cut better as well.

 

[mudfinger]

No wraps for locking tuners.....the whole point of a locking tuner is to eliminate the inconsistency of the wraps relaxing and tightening when using the bar.

OP doesn't have locking tuners.

 

[Freddy G]

OP doesn't have locking tuners.

Ah yes, my apologies. I don't know what made me assume locking tuners

 

[mudfinger]

Ah yes, my apologies. I don't know what made me assume locking tuners

Not accepted, no need! Very solid advice for those with...

 

[paco1976]

OP: Why is this a problem for you? Is the guitar going out of tune while you play?

Not specially. The problem is that the string buzzes a bit at the nut, it does not sit well in the nut with a normal amount of winds in the peg. I must always make sure to extra wind to the maximum.

Actually I have been experiencing this more since I have changed to pure nickel strings. I use 10s gauge, with regular strings it is not like that.
But I really like the nickels I want to keep them.
I actually also like the feel of the guitar without string trees, you can bend without limit, the guitar feels quite loose in the 3 higher strings, it vibrates in a good way.

I care about the resale value of everything, not about the dings, but a EJ strat with string trees for sure loses value. This guitar is a 100% keeper, but you never know...
I am a bit confused. I think I will look for the short staggered tuner (one peg only, not the set) until then I will manage with the extra winds up to the wood of the headstock.

 

[RaSTuS26]

Could always try tying it down with a shoelace around the headstock and over the string, LOL.