Why do some Fender Strats have 2 string trees?

On vintage stratocasters (and telecasters) there is only on string tree. The string tree is there to create more back-angle at the nut, because stratocaster heads are straight (unlike e.g. les pauls). Later on they made guitars with two string trees. Another one that pulled the D and G string down.

Do you need string trees on a Strat?

All guitars don’t need string trees. Guitars without string retainers feature headstocks that tilt backwards at an angle from the neck, creating the proper break angle to keep the strings firmly slotted. But that’s not the general Fender aesthetic.

Do string trees make a difference?

Keep the Strings firmly in the Nut Slots As a result, they vibrate and make an annoying rattle or buzz due to insufficient pressure behind the nut. To stop this happening, string trees are used. Their primary function is to produce the correct amount of downward pressure on strings so they don’t buzz.

Do string trees affect tuning?

But if a string tree creates excessive pressure, this can cause premature wear in the affected nut slots and also create tuning issues. And here’s another consideration: If you have a whammy bar, certain types of string trees can interfere with the string returning to pitch after you release the bar.

Why are guitar headstocks angled?

Pros: Nut break angle, angled headstocks ensure the strings are angled downwards from the nut to the tuning post, and so they are less likely to come out of the nut slot during playing.

How tight should a string tree be?

Screw the string trees: Screw in the string trees until they’re tight but can still be rotated slightly. Tighten up the strings a little bit: We want enough tension on them to get them in the correct position, not to damage them before we finish tightening.

What angle should a guitar headstock be?

If you are angling the headstock, 11 degrees is one of the most popular angles used. A large reason for that is that Gibson as well as Ibanez (and other smaller brands) use it on most of their guitars. PRS use 10 degrees.

Do I need String trees with staggered tuners?

Staggered tuners can work better because they remove string friction points, however you may not get enough string break-angle on higher strings which can cause further issues. The choice often comes down to your particular guitar and your playing style. Even with staggered tuners you may still need a string tree!

What is a straight headstock on a guitar?

You typically only see them on guitars with straight headstocks, such as Strats and Teles (or ‘Fender-style’ guitars) that have headstocks that run parallel to the fretboard. They are not found on guitars with angled headstocks, like the Gibson Les Paul (or the multitude of Les Paul clones out there). Here’s what one looks like:

What are string trees used for on a guitar?

To stop this happening, string trees are used. Their primary function is to produce the correct amount of downward pressure on strings so they don’t buzz. They do this by creating a ‘break angle’ behind the nut, increasing the strings break angle as they pass on their way to the tuner posts.

What are the different types of string trees?

The simplest and possibly the most common type of string tree is the butterfly style. It even looks like a tree! Then there is the barrel or roller style string tree. The simplest type is the disc or round style.

Why did Fender make the flat headstock?

Read any books on the history of Fender, and you’ll know Leo Fender knew he had a great design for mass production when he came up with the flat headstock (it was economical to produce, as it wasted very little wood during production). The one thing it lacked (where the headstock was concerned, at least) was enough string break.