Roller String Retainer for Bass

I really like the smaller footprint and it is nice looking as well. This is the roller I am using on all of my basses.

I built my own bass from scratch. I originally opted not to have a string retainer. My design has a Kahler Tremolo bridge, Graphtech Tusq nut, Sperzel locking tuners and a Sustainiac Stealth Pro sustainer. Usually a setup like this is found on a guitar like Steve Vai's Ibanez named "Flo." With so much sustain you can really work out the whammy bar but occasionally the G string would pop off the nut. Once I installed the Roller String Retainer that never happened again and the bass stays in tune even after the deepest whammy dives. I'll be putting these on all my future builds. Here's a photo of Billy Sheehan and I at NAMM 2012 talking about the bass.

I put this on one of my American Jazz basses. Theoretically, the stock Fender retainers could cause a problem, since the strings must slide over a sharp right angle as the strings are tuned. This is more of a potential problem with roundwound strings. I admit I never noticed a problem with the stock retainers, but as I said, theoretically it could be an issue. I really liked the idea of using rollers.

However, this design has problems: 1) The block is made of plastic. If it broke during a gig, it would be a real issue. Aluminum would be better, and chrome would be best. 2) You can't use the stock screw from the stock string retainer. The head of the stock screw won't fit in the block's hole (this screw is the same size that is used for the pick guard, among other things). That means you have an oddball screw on your bass. 3) The shaft that supports the rollers must be centered manually, or it may prevent one of the rollers from turning. Still, that is better than the stock design.

I would gladly pay more for a chromed block that uses the stock Fender screw. But then again, maybe I should just take off the edge on my stock retainer and be done with it.

The best choice of all string retainer there,
the wheel on both sides reduces friction, so you can have smoother operation for an intonation thing on your bass guitars!

I retrofit all my guitars with roller string trees, as I like them cosmetically, and finally I have been able to do the same with my Peavey Milestone bass. Looks good and works as well if not better than the original.

Put on my Fender P Bass. Works and looks awesome! Was not sure at 1st since it was smaller than the factory string tree but after install I love it.

I installed on my b line basses and they are just the best Roller String Retainer for Bass buy it!

Love the easy installation and how it appears on the bass awsome product thanks Stew Mac