Using a retaining bar instead of string trees

[spaceranger]

Hi all, I like the idea of using a retaining bar instead of string trees on a 6-in-line headstock (Warhead/Strat) with a non-locking nut. Seems like it would keep a nice even angle on all strings across the width of the headstock, but there's not a whole lot of room between the nut and the E string tuner, and the angle might be a bit steep.

I know it might be overkill, but is this a bad idea for any technical reason (i.e. break angle too severe with a standard nut)?

 

[Alfang]

we have discussed this topic every couple months for years, generally speaking, if your set up is done correctly you don't need trees or a bar, the factories put them on as a safeguard against poor nut slotting in a high volume production. Plus it adds an extra friction point between the nut and tuner, so bends and moderate trem use may cause tuning issues, By may cause I mean likely cause.

When using a locking nut, you do want to use a bar string retainer just to hold the string flat to the bottom of the nut so that when tightening string clamps its not pulling the strings sharp.

Hope this helps

 

[spaceranger]

Ah, I should have used the search field then, thanks for taking the time to reply!