String trees ?

[asc67]

I have been wondering why some Strats have two string trees an other only have one ?

[Orlando Mike]

different models have different
a. tuners...ones with staggered tuners dont need a tree, because the lower shaft of the tuner ulls the string down to where it needs to be. Look at the angle of the string as it enters the hole of the g string tuner. On a guitar that needs 2 trees, you will notice that the angle is less extreme, therefore the tree is needed to create the angle
b. nut, rollernuts and locking nuts typically require no trees

[thaus]

I have a 90's American Standard with two trees. When I look at the angle of the headstock, it seems a little higher than some of my other strats but not extreme. From what I have read, the trees just bring the angle of the string down to enhance tone and sustain. Some guitars like an EJ Signature have no trees because the tuners are staggered in height. I have also heard something about the fact that most G strings are now non-wound so the mass is less than they used to be when they were wound. I think I will try a would G string on one of my guitars next time I change strings.

[dan P]

Basically called the break angle over the nut to the tuners, as mentioned in the earlier answers, some guitars like it some dont...usually one will do for the eb strings, varies on the the other...

[kennycaster]

A good break angle provides downward pressure that prevents the string vibration from transferring over the nut and into the headstock. Guitars with tilt-back headstocks also don't need string trees.

Ken