Mastery String Tree....

Talk about modding or building your own guitar from scratch.
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GAZINGUK
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Mastery String Tree....

Post by GAZINGUK » Mon Sep 28, 2020 6:28 pm

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to ask about string trees. Does anyone have any experience with the Mastery one? How does it compare to a Graph Tech string tree and are they both an improvement over traditional winged ones found on Fenders? What are the benefits or improvements they bring to Jazzmasters? Do I have to enlarge the screw hole on the headstock to fit each one? Do any of you know if the screws are the same diameter and length? I can't say I've really noticed any problems with string trees, but I am curious to hear from anyone about these items, as I've seen a few people install a Graph Tech or Mastery one on their offset guitar.

Thanks in advance!

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Veitchy
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Re: Mastery String Tree....

Post by Veitchy » Mon Sep 28, 2020 9:41 pm

Don't know about screws being different but I can honestly say it's not going to improve a thing. I don't hate it - I think it's fun and if I was building a partscaster from scratch I'd consider one for the hell of it, but it isn't going to change anything.

The only thing I can think of - and this is grasping at straws - is that on a tremolo equipped guitar where there is a burr on the underside of a string tree, you could wear through strings faster. The Mastery design would be less likely to encounter that problem, assuming the tree is finished to a standard commensurate to their other products. Having said that, I've never heard of someone complaining of breakages at the string tree on any guitar. Ever.

If you think it's cool, no hassles, but it definitely isn't reinventing the wheel.

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mackerelmint
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Re: Mastery String Tree....

Post by mackerelmint » Mon Sep 28, 2020 10:01 pm

The Mastery looks like a perfectly good string tree. I've never used one. I've used graphtech ones, though, and can recommend those.

For the money, the mastery doesn't seem worthwhile.
This is an excellent rectangle

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papa_hotel_delta
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Re: Mastery String Tree....

Post by papa_hotel_delta » Mon Sep 28, 2020 10:32 pm

I don't think there is anything wrong with the mastery string tree in terms of design but I had the unfortunate experience of twisting the head of the screw off trying to install one (yes there was a pilot hole). It actually made me think that the screw that came with it was SS and maybe a little brittle. I think if I already had a string tree installed I would try to use the same screw/hole.

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timtam
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Re: Mastery String Tree....

Post by timtam » Mon Sep 28, 2020 11:18 pm

Fender's vintage-style string tree is a potential point of string friction/catching in trem-equipped guitars. The modern Fender style is less prone to that, but requires two holes. Direct-retrofit roller trees can be had for a buck on ebay.
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Re: Mastery String Tree....

Post by mackerelmint » Mon Sep 28, 2020 11:43 pm

timtam wrote:
Mon Sep 28, 2020 11:18 pm
Fender's vintage-style string tree is a potential point of string friction/catching in trem-equipped guitars. The modern Fender style is less prone to that, but requires two holes. Direct-retrofit roller trees can be had for a buck on ebay.
Image
Absolutely. Those old style ones are the shits and anything with a trem needs better.
This is an excellent rectangle

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GAZINGUK
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Re: Mastery String Tree....

Post by GAZINGUK » Tue Sep 29, 2020 2:38 am

Thanks for getting back to me everyone. I might try one to see, but I was initially looking at them as more of a curiosity. As I stated above, I've never had any problems with string trees, but I have noticed a few people "upgrading" them online and wondered if there was any significant difference.

What would be the general consensus then Mastery or Graph Tech?

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Veitchy
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Re: Mastery String Tree....

Post by Veitchy » Tue Sep 29, 2020 3:04 am

For me it'd be the Mastery. I think It looks cooler.

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mackerelmint
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Re: Mastery String Tree....

Post by mackerelmint » Tue Sep 29, 2020 3:18 am

Sure, why not? Honestly, whatever floats your boat the most is the one to go with. Graphtech, cheap roller tree, Mastery, something else entirely... you just want something that your string isn't gonna hang up on or be kinked or frayed by if you have a guitar with a trem. I don't know that there's a real meaningful sonic difference to be found. The advantage is mechanical and maybe visual.
This is an excellent rectangle

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Gordon
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Re: Mastery String Tree....

Post by Gordon » Tue Sep 29, 2020 5:16 am

GAZINGUK wrote:
Tue Sep 29, 2020 2:38 am
Thanks for getting back to me everyone. I might try one to see, but I was initially looking at them as more of a curiosity. As I stated above, I've never had any problems with string trees, but I have noticed a few people "upgrading" them online and wondered if there was any significant difference.

What would be the general consensus then Mastery or Graph Tech?
Have you considered a Dynaguide?

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Larry Mal
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Re: Mastery String Tree....

Post by Larry Mal » Tue Sep 29, 2020 5:51 am

mackerelmint wrote:
Mon Sep 28, 2020 11:43 pm
timtam wrote:
Mon Sep 28, 2020 11:18 pm
Fender's vintage-style string tree is a potential point of string friction/catching in trem-equipped guitars. The modern Fender style is less prone to that, but requires two holes. Direct-retrofit roller trees can be had for a buck on ebay.
Image
Absolutely. Those old style ones are the shits and anything with a trem needs better.
I put a few of these on some guitars and all I can say is that I wish I had the Mastery ones on there, and might be replacing them.
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adamrobertt
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Re: Mastery String Tree....

Post by adamrobertt » Tue Sep 29, 2020 6:08 am

I've never had an issue with the old school butterfly style ones. Just me?

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Re: Mastery String Tree....

Post by ThePearDream » Tue Sep 29, 2020 7:18 am

Anymore I always use Gotoh RG15/RG30 string trees. A fraction of the price of the Mastery, Gotoh quality, minimal footprint, no sharp edges, easy to retrofit, and easy to find.

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Larry Mal
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Re: Mastery String Tree....

Post by Larry Mal » Tue Sep 29, 2020 7:55 am

ThePearDream wrote:
Tue Sep 29, 2020 7:18 am
Anymore I always use Gotoh RG15/RG30 string trees. A fraction of the price of the Mastery, Gotoh quality, minimal footprint, no sharp edges, easy to retrofit, and easy to find.

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Those look very good, actually.
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mackerelmint
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Re: Mastery String Tree....

Post by mackerelmint » Tue Sep 29, 2020 9:46 am

Ibanez makes or at least made very nice trees similar to the Gotoh, but with just a little more lip on there.

That's all a string tree needs to be, you know? Just smooth and stable.
This is an excellent rectangle

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