American Strat Question

Hi there!

I have an american strat from '95 at home and it has two things (I don't know the english term, maybe string riders, sorry) on the headstock where you put the strings underneath.
I noticed now that all of the old strats and also newer american strats only have one??!
Can anybody explain me for what those are for and if I need them anyway?
Thanks,
Luke

they're called string trees, and yes you need them on the headstock...they provide proper downward pressure on the string.....besides, it's a great place to put your finger to get a different type of bend....don

The newer American strats have only one string tree because the tuners are staggered ( some have lower posts than others).

I've been thinking if i was to remove the lower string tree, and just leave the one on the E and B string would there be any difference? I've actually removed mine because I use the tremelo arm alot and the wound strings used to get caught on that.

Why don't the older strats have it then?
and would it be a bad idea to remove the one that holds the d and g string?
My guitar sounds more intonated when I don't put them under the string tree...
Lukas

all my strats have em'....but if your having a problem with it catching the wound strings...you can..

1.lubricate them with graphite or chap stick
2.replace them with the roller type from www.stewmac.com

or just don't use em....your choice.....but remember...Leo put them there for a reason...I'm sure that he didn't have extra parts on any of his guitars......don

or just don't use em....your choice.....but remember...Leo put them there for a reason...I'm sure that he didn't have extra parts on any of his guitars......don

Sounds like he's talking about an American Standard, which Leo had nothing to do with. I used to have one myself, and I never had any problem with the string trees. You could try removing them, but they may be necessary (someone more knowledgeable than me could probably explain why).