The Graph Tech TUSQ XL String Trees are a great way to improve the tuning stability
on an electric guitar.
In this video, we’ll be installing and reviewing these string trees and making a comparison
to the stock string trees on a Squier Stratocaster.
One of the big problems with string trees on Stratocasters is binding.
This causes the string to catch on the rough string trees and finally release with a distinctive
ping sound.
This can happen at any time during playing, but it is particularly an issue when tuning
or using the tremolo system.
To prevent string binding and increase your guitar’s tuning stability, a good choice
is to upgrade the cheap bent metal string trees on your guitar to the Graph Tech TUSQ
XL string trees.
These string trees are designed to be permanently lubricated and prevent the strings from binding.
Depending on your guitar, you should notice an immediate increase in tuning stability.
Combined with a proper nut and locking tuners, you’ll have rock solid tuning under just
about any situation.
The installation for these string trees can be done in only a few minutes.
The only thing required is a small Phillips screwdriver.
You won’t even need to completely remove your old strings, so you can save yourself
some money.
You can however choose to replace the strings at this time, since it will make it a little
easier to do the installation.
The first thing you need to do is loosen at the strings.
We need to get all the tension off the strings, but don’t let them unwind off the tuning
pegs.
If this happens, you may have trouble putting them back on and may need to replace them.
Once the strings are loose, just remove the old string trees with your screwdriver.
Don’t throw these away in case you ever decide to return the guitar to its original
state, not that you’ll really want to anyways.
If your guitar doesn’t have string trees to begin with, you’ll need to use a drill
to make new holes in the headstock.
Just make sure the hole is centered between the two strings when you’re installing the
string trees.
If you choose to drill, be careful not to damage the headstock.
Now that the old string trees are removed, we’ll get the new ones installed.
Partially screw in the new string trees into the previous holes.
They should go in without too much effort.
If you’re struggling to screw in the new string trees, you may need to enlarge the
holes with a drill.
Screw in the string trees until they’re tight but can still be rotated slightly.
Next tighten up the strings a little bit.
We want enough tension on them to get them straight, but we don’t want to damage the
string trees before we’re finished tightening them.
Place the strings within the groove of the string trees.
Turn the string tree slightly if necessary to make sure there’s as little resistance
as possible on the string.
The string trees are designed to help pull the strings down and increase sustain, not
to change the direction of the strings.
Once the string tree is lined up, finish tightening the screws.
Don’t turn the screw too tight, otherwise you could strip the hole and need to start
over after filling it in.
Now the string trees are completely installed and ready for you to use on your guitar.
This entire process is quite simple and can be done in a few minutes.
It’s one of those guitar upgrades that just about anyone can do on their own.
Now we’re going to do a quick demo of the string trees.
We’ll start off with a guitar track being played with the stock string trees and we’ll
do a few bends and tremolo dives to get it out of tune.
To do this demo we’re using a Squier SE Strat recording direct with Guitar Rig 5.
We’ve retuned the guitar between each take and we’ll check to see if there’s any
differences in tuning stability with these string trees.
Next we’ll play a track with the new Graph Tech TUSQ XL String Trees and we’ll see
if there’s any difference.
After using these string trees for a few weeks, we noticed a slight increase in tuning stability
and a definite reduction in the binding while tuning and using the tremolo.
If you have this problem on your guitar, we would definitely recommend this system as
a quick way to increase your tuning stability and performance.
Though they are a cheap upgrade, keep in mind that the guitar is a system.
Tuning stability relies on a lot of different factors which also includes the tremolo, nut
and tuners.
Thanks for watching this video on the Graph Tech TUSQ XL String Trees.
If you want to try out these string trees on your guitar, we’ve left a link to the
product in the video description below.
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