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Post subject: String Tree Issues
Posted: Tue Jan 05, 2016 5:12 pm
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I have one of the new Jimi Hendrix signature models that Fender just put out and i ran into a little trouble. When i play the low e sting open i get a buzz...from the string tree. At first i thought, "Fret buzz, ok, I can fix that" because it was buzzing all over the neck. So I adjusted the truss rod (it had no relief out of the box). Still buzzed. "Ok, I like a higher than normal action anyway." So up went the saddles...to 10/64". With buzz at that height. Next i went over each and every fret, searching for one that wasn't finished at all. They were perfect (good job Fender). That's when i got suspicious

I went over it with my ear. It wasn't the bridge, it wasn't the saddles, it wasn't the tuners, it wasn't the trem, it wasn't the nut, it wasn't the strap pegs (i replaced them with locks so i was scared but i took them out and still had the buzz), it was the tree. The tree sounded like it was rattling against itself or the string. I tested it still by playing open and then touching the string between the string tree and the nut and playing. Just a light touch to cut of the vibrations at my finger. AND THE BUZZ WAS GONE. I scoured the internet and couldn't find a solution to the problem...and then i realized why. :shock:

The string trees for most Strats are on the higher strings. But the new Hendrix model has a reverse headstock with the tree on the E and A (the A has no problems, by the way). I'm thinking because its the bigger, lower string that vibrates more that's touching the tree, no one who has a normal Strat has seen this problem.

So my question is, is there anyone out there who had a reverse headstock Strat who ran into the same problem? If so, do i just tighten the tree down? Do i squeeze in the actual arm in so it holds the string more securely? Do i send it for repairs? Do i send in for a new one? I don't like that last option. I've already named her Izabella, Izzy for short. Any response (pro, amateur, Fender employee, etc.) will be appreciated.


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Post subject: Re: String Tree Issues
Posted: Tue Jan 05, 2016 6:33 pm
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Sounds like you need more downward pressure to keep the E string from vibrating. You could either bend one "ear" of the tree lower or (if it's mounted with a spacer) reduce the height of the spacer to position the entire tree closer to the headstock.

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: String Tree Issues
Posted: Tue Jan 05, 2016 8:02 pm
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With a Hendrix model, you need an E♭ string...

Try a rubber grommet?
If not, and you don't care about authenticity (it already has a right-handed body with a leftie angled pickup), you might try replacing the string tree with an American series - they have more mass and should be more resistant to vibrational harmonics.

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Post subject: Re: String Tree Issues
Posted: Wed Jan 06, 2016 11:10 am
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You could try different strength retainer bands (rubber bands) between the nut and the tree, sometimes works in place of the light touch you say worked to stop the buzz. Use a quick hitch and try different sizes until it stops.


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Post subject: Re: String Tree Issues
Posted: Wed Jan 06, 2016 4:52 pm
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Thank you guys so much for the suggestions. I'll try the rubber bands and grommets first to see if they fix it and don't make her ugly. If not, I'll bend her ear down. Thank's again.


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Post subject: Re: String Tree Issues
Posted: Fri Jan 08, 2016 10:40 am
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Q: You said you replaced the tuners with locking one, are they the staggered height ones? Some set have lower post to the high E & B strings and higher ones for the Low E & A, this is so you can eliminate the string trees altogether.

Have you tried playing without using the tree?

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Post subject: Re: String Tree Issues
Posted: Fri Jan 08, 2016 11:07 am
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Jeffytune wrote:
Q: You said you replaced the tuners with locking one, are they the staggered height?

I didn't say i replaced them. I also didn't replace them. They are the stock vintage tuners. But I will try removing it now too. I've been busy the past couple days but I should update you guys tonight or tomorrow.


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Post subject: Re: String Tree Issues
Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2017 2:05 pm
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Hello I wanted to see it roll retainer retainer or not


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Post subject: Re: String Tree Issues
Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2017 6:31 am
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alexzema wrote:
Hello I wanted to see it roll retainer retainer or not


Not. They are the vintage W shaped pressed metal on a post.

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