Has anyone noticed that the photo of the JM sig on the Fender website (tobacco) has the string tree in the standard location on the headstock when looking at the zoomed-in view? Also I have google imaged photos of this guitar and seen the same thing on some of the photos. I've seen the tree placed in both positions on this model, actually. I read on the description of the guitar that the artist prefers the string tree further away from the nut (hence the design) but I've yet to see a photo of John using anything but a strat with the tree placed in the standard position. This is confusing to me. So here are my quesitons in light of the fact that I am considering buying one of these:
1. Is this model made both ways (ie some with tree in normal positon and some with the tree placed farther from the nut)?
2. What difference does it make in terms of tone and tuning?

An early version of his signature clearly shows the tree a lot higher, not sure if that helps

No idea about the model, except John does have vintage strats he uses on regular basis and even he won't mess with those string tees. As for your second question, it may help the string pass through the nut a little better, but the newer American style string tee is up much higher than the vintage style. I changed my mexican strat vintage tee for one like that.....

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"Epitaph on a blues musician’s tombstone: “I didn’t wake up this morning”" Davy Knowles


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Some of the signature models he plays are the custom shop prototypes and thus the string tree may be in the normal position as the signature model was in process of being developed. Just a guess.

Thanks for the replies everyone.

I own one and the actual string tree is up high where it would be on a 52 Tele. See the position of the string tree in relation to the Strat next to it

What kind of relic'd strat is that? I've never seen maple look... dirty? EMG pickups too? Tell us more about that one? Why not change the photo so can see the whole collection????

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"Epitaph on a blues musician’s tombstone: “I didn’t wake up this morning”" Davy Knowles


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Oh thats one I'm building right now. Doesn't have EMG pickups, the pickguard is just empty. Its my first attempt at a relic. Here are the rest of the Fenders/Squier:


Its still a work in progress, but I wanted this relic to look like it survived a nuclear holocaust

You've succeeding in making it look like a survivior of the next WW. Love the collection. Each one really different looking from the other. My favorite would be the one just to the right of the bombcaster you're making...

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"Epitaph on a blues musician’s tombstone: “I didn’t wake up this morning”" Davy Knowles


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To the Left or to the Right? The John Mayer is on the left and a CS65 Strat is on the right

Right, the darker green with the mint pickguard. That one looks awesome.

_________________
"Epitaph on a blues musician’s tombstone: “I didn’t wake up this morning”" Davy Knowles


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all that part does is puts pressure on the string and nut contact point and is supposed to help with sustain but it probaly helps bends on the string .
thats why les pauls and most brands have a arched neck past the nut to add about 13lbs of pressure at the nut. but on second thought that might just help with sustain ive heard of people raping the tremolo spring up to reduce vibration in that are to help the sound idk thats my thought.

English isn't your first language, eh?

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Bill

I just want to say that raping your tremolo springs or any other part of your guitar is never a good idea. Just because you purchased it doesnt give you the right to do whatever you want with it.