Restringing a thru-body bridge for the first time (flats)

[emor]

I have always used top loading bridges, but I recently acquired a Mustang which is thru-body only. I use the Fender recommendations here for trimming and as a general set up guide.

http://fender.com/support/bass_guitar_setup_guide.php

I have a couple of different sets of flats on the way to try out.

GHS 3020

LaBella

I read a comment that cautioned against twisting the string as it comes through the bridge.
Could someone give me a quick tutorial on the special considerations of stringing thru-body basses with flats?

Also, from my reading, I understand that I will have to trim away some of the silk wrap on the GHS set. What is the best way to do this that will look the neatest and not damage the string wrap underneath?

Thanks.

[ggunn]

Originally Posted by emor

I read a comment that cautioned against twisting the string as it comes through the bridge.

The most dependable way to avoid having twists in your strings is to NOT wrap the strings around the pegs by hand but to use the tuners to make all the wraps.

[emor]

It would never have occurred to me to try to do it that way.

[ggunn]

Originally Posted by emor

It would never have occurred to me to try to do it that way.

Me either, but it's a pretty common practice from what I hear.

[Emibass]

as stated on talkbass, labella flats may brake if you go trough the body. Don´t know the others.


I have Sadowsky flats trough the body on my MIA Jazz without problems

[emor]

Originally Posted by Emibass

as stated on talkbass, labella flats may brake if you go trough the body. Don´t know the others.

Check out the link.
They are Mustang-specific; as yet, unavailable.