Removing the string tree

[Professor Plunk]

Hi everyone,

I've read that removing the string tree on a Fender/G&L-type headstock results in the B and E string feeling looser and being easier to bend, so I'd like to give it a shot on my Tribute ASAT Deluxe. Has anybody ever tried it? Is it safe?

Thanks!

[Fumble fingers]

my Comanche doesn't have one on it but to be honest I never really noticed it being different for bends .... I'm just about to get the Comanche out and play for rotation cycle , I'll have to see if I can tell a difference

[EmGeezer]

I recently got a Comanche tribute, with the pressed metal string tree. My high E broke while I was tuning it first time (drat). Got myself Tusq string tree to replace.... nice and slippery. Also longer threaded screws so that tree acts more as a guide rather than much pull downwards. I don't do extreme bends etc so not worried about popping out of the nut. I don't know the physics of whether looser or not, but works just fine and you might try that. Makes guitar looks a little bit better, but lovely to start with.

[Professor Plunk]

Hey, it's me again. Just so you know, I removed the string tree but I don't notice any difference in "bendability", the high E string doesn't seem looser. I can get some interesting sounds by plucking the bit of string behind the nut. I'm gonna leave the guitar like that for a while, just to see how it feels...