Are you interested in the String Butler but don’t know which model or models fit your guitar? You’ve come to the right place. All of the models can be grouped into two main types:
- Replaces the truss rod cover on your headstock.
- Held down by the tuner post nuts of your first row machine heads. (Original version)
Color Options
The String Butler comes in a lot of different colors combinations. The table on the right summarizes the USA Color options. Click here for pictures of the available color combinations.
Models that replace the Truss rod Cover (V1/5)
These models simply replace your existing truss rod cover. Remove your old truss rod cover, install the V1 or V5 using your existing screws in its place, install the strings, and you are done. With these models you don’t have to worry about tuner compatibility.
V1 Model
This model fits the large majority of guitars that have 3L/3R tuners (3 per side). It works by replacing the truss rod cover with a 4 roller equipped plate. The cover has slots in it designed to replace 2 or 3 hole truss rod covers of various sizes. Unlike the original String Butler, there is no need to mess with the machine heads for installation. Click here for examples.
V5 Model
This model fits most Flying-V style guitars by replacing the truss rod cover with a 6 roller equipped plate. Oversized headstock guitars like this benefit greatly from the String Butler because the E/e post spacing is very wide which causes a significant kink in the strings. The V5 also fits some other guitars with oversized headstocks like the Gretsch Electromatic. Click here for examples.
Note that this model doesn’t work with a “typical” guitar. A guitar must have large E/e spacing and an oversized head for this model to fit.
Models retained by the tuning post nuts (V2/3/4)
This is the original String Butler design. These models attach using the threaded bushing that retain your machine heads (tuners). Selecting and installing these is a little more complicated, but they are tried and true, beloved by many, and they allow you to retain your existing truss rod cover.
How to Measure to determine if the V2, V3, or V4 fits your guitar
The model information below will discuss “tuner post separation”. It is very important that you take this measurement to verify that you are ordering the right model. This is especially true for the V4 model which only fits guitars with oversized headstocks. See the diagram and table below for how to measure and select the proper model (Note: more than one model might fit your guitar).
Special Compatibility Note: If your guitar does’t have hex-headed nuts around the tuner posts we recommend the V1 or V5 be used instead of the models below. However, if you would still liked to use the original model, without hex-headed nuts around the tuner posts, you will need to purchase and install a Vintage Adapter Kit. Click here for more information.
V2 MOdel
This is the original production model. It is 4 rollers mounted to a plate that is held in place by the hex-head, threaded, machine head bushings already on your guitar (Tuner Nuts). The V2 and V3 models are very similar with the V2 fitting less guitars actually because the slots for the tuner posts don’t go as narrow which means the tuner spacing range is smaller. Your tuner post separation centerline must be between 1 3/4″ and 2 1/4″ for this model to fit. If you are unsure then go with the V3 model instead as it fits most guitars. Click here for examples.
V3 Model
This is the second production model. Like the V2 it is held in place by the hex-head, threaded, machine head bushings (Tuner Nuts). The V2 and V3 models are very similar with the only difference being the V3 fits more guitars because the slots for the tuner posts go more narrow on this model. Your tuner post separation centerline must be between 1 3/8″ and 2 1/4″ for this model to fit (majority of guitars). If you are unsure of your spacing then go with this model as it fits most guitars. Click here for examples.
V4 Model
This model is designed specifically for guitars that have comically oversized E/e tuner post spacing (Oversized Headstocks). It will work with guitars like the Gretsch Electromatic, the Gibson Flying V, and other guitars with a very wide spacing between the first row of tuners. It comes with 6 instead of 4 rollers so the first row is strings are straightened as well. Click here for examples.
Note that this model doesn’t work with a “typical” guitar. A guitar must have large E/e spacing (Greater than 2 1/4″) to work with the V4. Please measure per the table above before ordering.
Try our Version Wiki
We have a version cross reference wiki that shows the proper String Butler requirements for many popular guitar models. Click here to try it out.
