String retainer bar
A bar fixed to the headstock that holds several strings down at once, keeping their break angle correct over the nut.
Where a single string tree covers one or two strings, a retainer bar spans the width of the headstock and presses down on most or all of them. It is common on basses and on guitars where the headstock geometry leaves the strings running nearly straight to the tuners, which would otherwise give too shallow an angle and let them slip or buzz in their slots. Like any retainer, it adds friction, so lubrication matters.
Example: a bass with a long, flat headstock often needs a retainer bar so the strings do not slip in the nut under hard playing.
See also
Related
- PageString tree
- PageBreak angle
- PageAction
- PageArchtop
- PageB-Bender
- PageAaron Dessner
- PageAce Frehley
- PageAd-Rock