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Post subject: 5 string orthodontics
Posted: Wed Sep 29, 2010 7:16 pm
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Here's a question: What do the following 5-string basses have in common that Fenders don't - Lakland, Sadowsky, Alleva-Coppolo, Sandberg, MTD, G&L (and probably others)?

They've all managed to design a 5-string headstock without resorting to ugly dental work. I'm talking about the variety of retainers, buttons, brackets and what-not that have adorned the Fender headstocks for at least the last five years. The best-looking solution I've in recent years was on the 1998, when you have the five-on-a-side headstock with a simple retainer for the middle-three strings. As a '98 owner, I have to admit that winding that B string so that it has the proper downward tension is an art, but it can be done.

Anyway, I hope Fender comes up with something better looking next time around than the current configuration.


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Posted: Fri Nov 05, 2010 12:23 pm
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So do you like the current 5 string Precision bass?

I think it is pretty cool.

I want one.

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Post subject: 5-string headstock
Posted: Sat Nov 06, 2010 9:26 pm
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I have the same complaint with the precision: I just don't like the round button string retainers. I much prefer either a solid bar like Lakland and Sadowsky uses. I just think it looks cleaner. Ernie Ball has the best solution, which is no retainer at all. I don't pretend to understand all the physics and engineering involved in getting the proper string tension over the nut; I just know that I prefer the cleaner headstock look.


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Posted: Mon Nov 08, 2010 8:28 am
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I believe that MusicMan uses string retainers on their basses, too.
It's just a fact of life when you have a flat neck and an unpitched headstock. Something has to hold the longer strings( A,D and G) in the nut.

The advantage of the button retainer is that you can more easily restring the bass because you can slip the string under the retainer as you tighten the string. With a bar or mutli-string bracket, you must thread the string through the bracket before tightening the string.
Its not a big deal but it is a hassle UMHO.

I can agree that no string retainers on a headstock, does look cleaner, but I don't know how that can happen without pitching the headstock backwards.
Tha would be a drastic change in the design of these basses.

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