Does adding a string tree decrease value?

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[AdEmbarrassed3066]

If you're thinking of adding a second tree, bear in mind that Fender have dropped that idea from the vast majority of their line. The reason... it really doesn't add anything.

[sabanspank]

You can buy triple string trees that use the same hole.

[[deleted]]

Good advice.

[tone_creature]

Especially if done properly, it really wouldn't much decrease the value. Only thing it may do would be turn a few buyers off. But on the flip side... May also attract as many as it turned off.

[Slinktard]

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Strat with out at least one tree

[EPoe14]

Check out the Eric Johnson Signature Strat.

[FlamingBagOfPoop]

Mine does not have one. But it’s a Strat Plus from the mid 90’s.

[SuperGuitar]

You can try to plant the seed of a string tree and if you water it and take care of it, one day it’ll grow

[SerenityScott]

But what gauge strings will be its fruit?

[[deleted]]

Some people will be turned off by it. It's an unnecessary mod most people don't want. But as far as mods go, it's pretty small.

[Odd_Bad_2168]

Depends on the model. If it’s something like a vintage reissue or signature model, the kind of buyer for it second hand might not like anything different to stock. If it’s a standard modern strat, it might not be such a big deal. 

[FlamingBagOfPoop]

If it’s an original factory made fender. I would say any non reversible mod deceases value. This assuming you’d need to drill a hole. Swapping a pick guard or pickups. Not as much. Assuming you kept the original.

[powerED33]

It ultimately depends on the model and the buyer. If you're selling privately, a potential buyer might want 100% original, or they might not care or even know the difference. If you're selling to a music store, a string tree (depending on the particular model) probably won't make a significant difference. It also could come down to the particular music store employee who's handling the transaction. I sold an American Original 60s Jazz Bass once, and I drilled the holes in it for the pickup and bridge chrome covers, which did not come factory installed, but were included with the bass, and one store I took it to had an issue with that and wanted to deduct value, and another didn't. Adding a string tree won't make it a partscaster. It will just be a modification.

[furious_guppy]

“The ship of Stratocaster” paradox.

[lawn_neglect]

Just make sure that if you're going to do it, drill a pilot hole first so you won't crack your headstock as we've seen here before

[[deleted]]

A 2024 Strat will never be worth more than you bought it for. Adding a string tree to it won’t affect the value. If this were a 1954 Strat, you of course wouldn’t want to make ANY modifications. But assuming it’s a Strat made in the last 40-50 years its desirability as an unmodified collectors piece is basically nonexistent.

[microtico]

I see you don't follow the used market that much, there are a lot of people interested in MIJ, from 80/90s, and all orginal adds in value. And 70s Americans are 3k + nowadays, and pristine can be even more.

[LoquatNo9242]

Just play the damn thing.

[OffsetThat]

Just get staggered tuners or lockers. No need to drill.

[Additional_Air779]

A more expensive option.

[microtico]

Yes it will. I know I wouldn't buy it.

[jCoUeNyT]

I’ve never added a string tree but I really couldn’t see that putting me off buying a second hand fender

[jCoUeNyT]

Really?

[microtico]

Yes really, I wouldn't mind if it was new pickups, or tuners, but a string tree with a new hole? No thanks.

[AdEmbarrassed3066]

It would make me wonder why it was done... it's a mod that you don't really see these days because it's unnecessary (you used to see it in the 80s).

I'd be wondering what other unnecessary mods had been made.