Is there a big difference between top loading/string thru?

SuperSnake2012 · #1 11-23-2008, 10:16 PM

I have a gig coming up and I wanted to change my stock strings... I have D'Addario XL 170s I believe... (45-130 gauge) but they are not super long scale, so I believe I'd have to top load these. Is there a big difference between the two? Or should I just buy a new set of strings and run it string through?

Ken Baker · #2 11-23-2008, 11:30 PM

Tone wise, the difference is negligible. However, G&L recommends that the 5 strings be strung thru-body. They don't say why, but the reason is that there are only two screws and the bridge rout holding the bridge in place. Because of this, the added pressure exerted by the strings holds the bridge.

Chef had a bridge lift a few years ago after he'd strung thru-bridge. G&L took care of it and the recommendation has been ongoing since that time.

I'm able to get TI EB345 strings thru-body - just barely. The E silk is just above the nut and I had to trim back the silk on the B. A, D, and G are okay.

An alternative is to run as many strings as you can thru-body and the rest thru-bridge. This typically means the B is thru-bridge and the rest thru-body. It looks a little goofy, but it works.

Ken...