I purchased this bass several months ago but never noticed the angle of the D string as it passes the stringtree. Is this something I should be concerned about?
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Stringtree issue?
- Thread starter Kipp Harrington
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Turnaround
Commercial User
- May 6, 2004
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I won't hurt anything as it is, but it's the kind of thing that would drive me nuts. I would remove the strings and the hold-down, and plug the hole by gluing in a small dowel. Then I would string it back up and set the hold down between the D and G strings near where it is now. The strings will allow you to align it so that the string path remains straight. Mark that spot, drill (being careful not to go through the headstock) and re-install the hold-down.
Turnaround knows.
like he said: nothing to worry about, but i guess you're obsessing about it, some.
you might also check under the string tree to see if the strings are actually 'resting' as they should.
like he said: nothing to worry about, but i guess you're obsessing about it, some.
you might also check under the string tree to see if the strings are actually 'resting' as they should.
Thanks, man. Not obsessing with it too much. I’m certainly not going to relocate it. Guess I’ll have a “unique” looking string path.Turnaround knows.
like he said: nothing to worry about, but i guess you're obsessing about it, some.
you might also check under the string tree to see if the strings are actually 'resting' as they should.
It does, but not enough to be drilling holes in the headstock and relocating the string tree. If it's not going to affect the sound or playability of the bass, I don't feel it's worth relocating it. I hadn't noticed it until last weekend and I bought the bass several months ago... not sure how I didn't notice it.
Yes, check that the D is horizontally resting against the pillar of the string tree, if so then tuning stability is not an issue.
A round plate string tree is a bad design due to the curved edges that cause a slight outward force on the strings, if the string is deflected away from a straight path this affects tuning stability.
Also, the sheer width that increases friction. A straight bar type string tree is better. However, these retro basses prioritise tradition over function or good design, so the round tree was kept.
Thanks for all the insight on this. Makes sense. I have not experienced any tuning issues at all. Stays in tune very well. So, I guess I should be ok. Thanks again, ixlramp.
The round string retainer on my Jazz bass has notches on the underside in which the D and G strings fit.
but you know that you don't. and we all know that you're right!
the detractors should practice more!
Turnaround
Commercial User
- May 6, 2004
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- 22,427
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- Disclosures
- Independent Instrument Technician - Retired
You don't need to fix it unless it's bothering you. There is no technical problem.
That would drive me nuts also, but I understand your reluctance to go messing around with a screwdriver in that particular area. Would you happen to have any more detailed photos from other angles?
Going to bed now. But I’ll take a few pics. I loosened up the D and G strings and tried to “seat” them properly under the tree... to no avail.
Speaking of practice. Started trying to get down that Jamerson bassline to “I Was Made To Love Her... damn! I am seeing three different versions of how to play it on YouTube and I don’t know which one really is correct. I know I should trust my ears. But that bassline is so rapidfire it’s really hard to follow audibly. I guess I’ll just get as close as I can to the real deal.but you know that you don't. and we all know that you're right!
the detractors should practice more!
