i just bought a set of graphtech string trees for my strat and it came with two string trees. i previously only had one, but i sometimes see strats with a second string tree on the bigger strings

is there a reason for this? why do alot of teles have two?

advantages/disadvantages?

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I like my tone like my women. Full round bottom, sweet and clean but can get as dirty as I desire.

If the strat has staggered tuners, it will only need one, as the lower tuners hold the string at the proper angle to the nut. If not, it needs two to hold the string at the proper angle to the nut.

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Guitars:
1. mid 70's Ventura MIJ Gibson l6-s clone (Pre-lawsuit) in Black with Rosewood FB and EMG 81 BR/ 85 Neck
2. ESP KH2 Neck Thru
3. 2008 Am Std Strat in 3 tone sunburst

Strat and Tele headstocks are not angled back like Gibson type headstocks, so the string tree is there to put some downward pressure on the thinner strings or else they would be prone to pop out of the nut.

The cons of a string tree is that strings can get held up in the string tree in an improperly set up guitar and cause tuning problems when bending or using the tremolo.

Vintage Strats and Teles have 1 string tree for the high E and B strings. Sometime in the 70's (someone here probably knows exactly when) Fender added a second string tree for the G and D strings.

The vintage reissue guitars have 1 string tree because that's how they were originally.

For the most part, MIM and MIJ Fenders have 1 string tree, because...well I don't know why. Maybe to keep part count down? The second string tree can cause tuning problems too since they mostly use the vintage "butterfly" type string trees and the wound D string loves to get snagged on them.

The American Standard of 1987-2000 kept 2 string trees. When the American Series was released in 2000 they went to 1 string tree because the new staggered height tuners provided a lower break angle and the G & D string treee was not needed. The new post 2008 American Standards continue this. I think the old pre-2006 Highway 1's had 2 string trees.

I am not a fan of the second string tree. Graphtech and roller string trees help tuning issues, but I still think they are not needed on the G & D strings if you string them up correctly and have enough winds around the capstain to create an adequate break angle.

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Obligatory gear list: Fender, Rickenbacker, Gibson, Gretsch, Vox, Martin, and more Fender.

Inconsistentencies even within the same model, mean that sometimes you need 2, and other times you only need 1. If a Strat has 2, I'll take one off to see if it is really needed. Often it isn't.

Good point by the previous poster - sometimes you need to wind the string down the post to get a good enough break angle over the nut. That's a pain for me, as I like to lock the string to the post with a cross knot. That way you don't need any more than one winding.

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Fender Highway & Classic 60s Strats, Fender Toronado, Telecaster, Gretsch Projet, Charvel 3, PRS SE Soapbar II & Custom 24, Burns Batwing and many others!

well my guitar is a 2003 MIM with stock tuners(im pretty sure they are not staggered)

would there be an advantage in adding the second tree?

i never use my trem its blocked

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I like my tone like my women. Full round bottom, sweet and clean but can get as dirty as I desire.

Your tuners are not staggered since there are no MIM models with staggered tuners (except the limited edition Vintage Player Strats of 2003). I believe only the American Standards, Deluxe, and Eric Johnson sig have staggered tuners.

The Eric Johnson has no string trees actually. This is because the face of the headstock is shaved lower than normal allowing the tuners to sit lower and create a natural break angle without the help of string trees.

I would say no to adding the second string tree. But that's just my opinion. I hate the look of two string trees. But since you never use the trem you don't have to worry about the strings getting binded up at the second tree. Flip a coin: heads = 2 trees. tails = 1 tree

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Obligatory gear list: Fender, Rickenbacker, Gibson, Gretsch, Vox, Martin, and more Fender.

I add the 2nd tree, if the string(s) have an odd, 'not quite there' tone. It's caused by excessive vibration in the nut slot which stops it doing it's job properly.Try gently pressing the string down behind the nut. Does the string sound more muscular and have a better tone? If so, get the 2nd tree on, or try experimenting with multiple string winds down to the bottom of the string tuning post. (Personally, I dont mess around with that. Any slight suggestion that the guitar needs the 2nd tree, and on it goes).

If a Strat is particularly valuable, and there's a need to keep it absolutely stock, well then you need to re-think the 2 tree solution..

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Fender Highway & Classic 60s Strats, Fender Toronado, Telecaster, Gretsch Projet, Charvel 3, PRS SE Soapbar II & Custom 24, Burns Batwing and many others!

will it hurt anything in my tone if i add it?

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I like my tone like my women. Full round bottom, sweet and clean but can get as dirty as I desire.

It shouldn't, but think of it this way if you add the 2nd tree and don't like it, the only damage is a very tiny hole in the peghead.

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So heres to your survival, swimming up the stream, crossing over one dam after another till we get to Rock and Roll Heavens Gate!

i have a 1986 fender american strat,in late november of 86 i sent it out to the custom shop to have a bunch of"i don't know why i need this stuff" done to it.
That was when they were still working on outside fender guitars,they stopped shortly after i got mine back.First let me say they did all i asked and more and did the best job that I would expect.when i asked them if it was nec. to have both string trees,they said yes...but never ,WHY.i got hand wrapped pick-up dipped in wax and graphite this and twingy that and all the $@!& that was supposed to make it the best in the world,well i love the thing.and was just curious if there really is a reason for two or one tree.
thanks chip
"chip@crazycarfan.com"

The post-2006 HWY1s and the American Specials use 2 string guides. Same thing for the post-1999 large headstock Squiers.

My graffiti yellow deluxe powerhouse has two roller type string trees. I was going nuts trying to eliminate string buzz until I finally discovered the trees needed a little oil on them. Less (trees) is more for me.

I love having a Fender with no string trees.

My 2008 MIM Strat has staggered tuners.

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-T

"You can't spend what you ain't got, you can't lose what you ain't never had" ~ McKinley Morganfield