Telecaster Guitar Forum - View Single Post - Hipshot B-string downforce solution

voided3 · June 7th, 2009, 11:26 PM

I had a lightbulb moment tonight after getting sick of nearly zero downforce on my B string w/ my Hipshot equipped Esquire. I had tried running it through a hole in the back of the ashtray, but it would bind up. I tried the metal hook, but even with it bent down, it wouldn't give enough pressure when using light gauge strings. Here is my solution (my camera doesn't take good close-ups):

I removed the springs form the Hipshot (for looks) and screwed into the body of the guitar through the bridge a graphite string tree. I just detuned the B string, lined up the tree, marked where I needed to drill, then drilled with a bit the same diameter as the screw (so it won't thread into the metal, but don't drill into the body with this bit!), then switched to a small 1/16" bit for the screw I used that extends about 3/8" into the body; I think it's a strap button screw.

I tuned it up and it stays in tune perfectly with ample downforce on the saddle (notice mine are slotted, too). Remember that my ashtray is notched in the back, which is essential for this to work. If I ever need to raise or lower my action, I can adjust the string tree height by either sanding the bottom of it or loosening the screw that holds it and putting some thin washers under it like those used on the butterfly trees. The nice thing about this is the tree blends in with the bridge and if you ever take off the Hipshot, just get a new $9 baseplate and the hole is covered up.

The only drawback is that those w/ G benders won't be able to hook both the B and G under the tree unless they rig up a custom tree or maybe modify one of those metal string trees that go over all six. I hope this helps anyone w/ the same problem!

June 7th, 2009, 11:26 PM	#1 (permalink)
voided3 Tele-Afflicted Join Date: May 2005 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,110	Hipshot B-string downforce solution I had a lightbulb moment tonight after getting sick of nearly zero downforce on my B string w/ my Hipshot equipped Esquire. I had tried running it through a hole in the back of the ashtray, but it would bind up. I tried the metal hook, but even with it bent down, it wouldn't give enough pressure when using light gauge strings. Here is my solution (my camera doesn't take good close-ups): I removed the springs form the Hipshot (for looks) and screwed into the body of the guitar through the bridge a graphite string tree. I just detuned the B string, lined up the tree, marked where I needed to drill, then drilled with a bit the same diameter as the screw (so it won't thread into the metal, but don't drill into the body with this bit!), then switched to a small 1/16" bit for the screw I used that extends about 3/8" into the body; I think it's a strap button screw. I tuned it up and it stays in tune perfectly with ample downforce on the saddle (notice mine are slotted, too). Remember that my ashtray is notched in the back, which is essential for this to work. If I ever need to raise or lower my action, I can adjust the string tree height by either sanding the bottom of it or loosening the screw that holds it and putting some thin washers under it like those used on the butterfly trees. The nice thing about this is the tree blends in with the bridge and if you ever take off the Hipshot, just get a new $9 baseplate and the hole is covered up. The only drawback is that those w/ G benders won't be able to hook both the B and G under the tree unless they rig up a custom tree or maybe modify one of those metal string trees that go over all six. I hope this helps anyone w/ the same problem!