String Butler

Just came across this interesting piece of kit. STRING BUTLER

The traditional 3+3 machine head layout on Gibson style guitars, plus the widening taper and a back angle on the head stock cause many owners to experience tuning stability issues because of the lateral pull on the strings. This nicely designed and well built solution straightens out the strings as they go over the nut.

Pricey bugger though! Anyone have experience with one?

Seen those advertised.

Wouldn't like to use one as they're sure to make an indentation on the head stock under that hex ferrule.

Looks a good idea. It might be possible to avoid indentations by using an extra pair of slim washers, to go under the new part.

David_A wrote:Looks a good idea. It might be possible to avoid indentations by using an extra pair of slim washers, to go under the new part.

Just had a good read about them.

They do supply washers that sit under the 'Butler'

There you go - great minds think alike! Well done Damien.

David_A wrote:There you go - great minds think alike

and fools never differ...

Think it's just an elaborate piece of gear that's not needed if the nut is set up fine.

Yes, I agree. Ain't we a pair of fools!

Westbone wrote:...Think it's just an elaborate piece of gear that's not needed if the nut is set up fine.

By that I assume you mean the slots are of correct depth and angled downwards at the rear to accommodate the break angle?

Overall though the String Butler is probably a solution looking for a problem which happens only occasionally, and I would suspect, mostly on tremolo equipped guitars.

For those who may still be interested in this option, I came across this nicely done video test.
I have to say, I'm impressed!




Addendum: This chap has a series of vid's on the String Butler.
Here's the introductory one for those who may be wondering why you need it in the first place:

Thanks Barry. Impressive indeed.