The String Butler is a hot new guitar upgrade that has been flying off the shelves with rave reviews. This simple but ingenious device easily attaches to the guitar headstock. Once installed it makes the guitar easier to tune and it stays in tune longer. The String Butler works so well that many customers consider it a must have accessory.
The article below explains the issue that the product addresses, how the String Butler works, and how to select the right version.
Some guitar models have to be constantly adjusted to maintain the correct sound
Th guitarist in your life probably owns at least one guitar that is fussy and they have to often adjust the tuning to keep it sounding right. They keep it because it sounds good and perhaps its a classic and they like how it plays otherwise. The String Butler makes it so they don’t have to adjust the tuning so much anymore.
The String Butler fixes this issue and it installs in minutes with no permanent modifications in most cases
The tuning issue described is caused by kinks and friction in the strings when they pass through little slots in the plastic part at the head of the guitar. The String Butler addresses the issue by routing the strings straight through the slots and then around low-friction rollers.
The gift givers guide to selecting the right String Butler:
First you should review the model guide which is found here: Model Guide
If the model guide is confusing, and you could use more help, the following questionnaire will help you to determine if you are able to surprise the guitarist in your life with the most unique and useful guitar accessory available this holiday season. To answer these questions you will need to pretend like you are interested in their guitar briefly so you can get a good look at it.
Question 1: Does the head of the guitar say Les Paul on it?
If the answer is yes: Congratulations, this is going to be easy. This guitar can use either a V1, V2 or V3 String Butler Model in most cases. Now you just need to pick a color (Black, Silver, Gold, or Clear Acrylic). You can’t go wrong with the black one as it is the best seller by far. Click Here to Buy One Now
If the answer is no: proceed to question 2
Question 2: Does the guitar have 6 Strings?
If the answer is yes: So far so good. Proceed to question 3
If the answer is no: It seems you have grabbed the wrong guitar. All guitarists have at least one 6 string guitar. Rummage through their house while they are using the bathroom and find their 6 String Guitar and then start over at question 1.
Question 3: You know those knobs that they turn on the head of the guitar when they act like the guitar doesn’t sound right? Are all 6 of those knobs on one side or are 3 on one side and 3 on the other?
If there are 3 on one side and 3 on the other: So far so good. Proceed to question 4
If all six are on one side: The good news is this guitar doesn’t have the issue addressed by the String Butler. The bad news is you need to now buy them a guitar and a String Butler. Find one that has a head on it similar to the featured image for this post (3 knobs on each side) and then move on to Question 4.
Question 4: Does the inner two strings form a “V” shape above the plastic guide at the guitar head? See the picture on the left below:
If the answer is yes: Good news, you are one question away from selecting a present that will shock and amaze them. Proceed to question 5
If the answer is no: The good news is this guitar doesn’t have the issue addressed by the String Butler. The bad news is you need need to dig deeper in their closet to find one that is that way or buy them a guitar and a String Butler. Find one that has a the V Shape between the inner strings above the plastic guide and then move on to Question 5.
Question 5: Ok, now you have to actually do a bit of work if you want to be sure that it will fit before you buy one. You need to find a ruler and measure the distance between the center of the posts as shown in the picture below.
- If the head of the guitar looks like a large letter “A”, then this is called a “Flying-V” guitar (Silly I know). The best model for this guitar is the V5. Choose one of the colors through this link.
- If it’s too hard to measure the guitar then go for the V1 model. It fits almost any 3L/3R guitar. Choose one of the colors through this link.
- If the post separation greater than 1 3/4 inches but less than 2 1/4 inches: Congratulations! Either the V1, V2, or V3 String Butler Model will fit this guitar. Choose on of the colors through this link.
- If the post separation is greater than 1 3/8 inches but less than 1 3/4 inches: Congratulations! the V1 or V2 String Butler will fit this guitar. Choose on of the colors through this link.
- If the post separation is greater than 2 1/4 inches: Congratulations! the V4 String Butler will fit this guitar. Choose on of the colors through this link.
Will they work. My 2014 Es 225 Gibson hollow body without the f holes. Also have a 96 les Paul custom.
Yes, you can use either the V2 or the V3 on those guitars. Just check to see if your tuning pegs have hex heads as shown in the following graphic.
Will it fit a 2017 hummingbird pro acoustic electric cutaway
Yes. A V3 will fit.
I have a 1975 Alvarez model 5022. Will this work on that guitar?
Hello BJ,
I’m sorry but this isn’t a guitar in our system and I’m unfamiliar with it. The flyer at this link explains how to determine compatibility on any guitar:
https://laplaceonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Model-Guide.pdf
Used on classical guitar?
I’m sorry. It does not work with the classical guitar.
Taylor 310 ?
For this guitar I would use a V3 inverted between the A and B posts.
I play 12-string guitar. What do you recommend?
I’m sorry but we don’t have a string butler for 12 string guitars. Lubrication and having properly sized slots for the string size used is probably your best option.