String-Thru VS. Top Mount Bridges

[JYBass]

Hey guys, I am doing a Warmoth build, and I would like to know what you guys think about tone and sustain differences between string-thru body mount and top mount bridges.

Thanks.

Jeremy

[C.Linton]

None whatsoever.

[two fingers]

I have done mine both ways on my Fender Roscoe Beck Sig V and noticed zero difference. So I always just string it on top these days. (The bridge does either/or on that bass.)

Edit to add: I HAVE noticed a big difference between the old school stamped bridges and high mass bridges. I like the stamped bridge on a P bass or Jazz. And I like the high-mass on others. The high-mass seems to reproduce more overtones and sustains longer. That's good in some cases, not so much in others.

[Kmonk]

I string my Fenders through the body but I don't think there is any difference. Even if there is, it is so subtle that it can't be noticed.

[Jazz Ad]

I don't bother with stringing through the body. I prefer quick load top.
Much more conveinent and zero difference in tone.

[JYBass]

Thanks for the quick response guys. This means I can save $50-$70 on the bridge + routing

Thanks a lot.

Jeremy

[Turnaround]

Originally Posted by JYBass

Hey guys, I am doing a Warmoth build, and I would like to know what you guys think about tone and sustain differences between string-thru body mount and top mount bridges.

Thanks.

Jeremy

What day is it? Has a whole week gone by?

[96tbird]

Originally Posted by Turnaround

What day is it? Has a whole week gone by?

Word.

[darkstorm]

String thru for cheap thin bent metal fender style bridges gives better tone and sustain. However with a qaulity brdge with mass to it, there is no difference for string thru versus top load other then slight feel of stiffer tension. Use high mass bridge and easy top load as best choice imo. This also avoids the occassional problem of string not long enough for right part of string past the nut in some cases. That string thru body can give for some strings.

[mongo2]

Originally Posted by darkstorm

String thru for cheap thin bent metal fender style bridges gives better tone and sustain.

Not IME. If the bass is properly set up with a sufficient break-angle at the saddles, I find there is no difference.

[DaveAceofBass]

String thru is better, but it's very very subtle. It adds a little downward pressure on the saddle...resulting in a tighter feeling string and a body that resonates more. However some designs don't need it (I.E. Sadowsky). I think the bigger and more massive bodied basses benefit from string through. But again, it's a very slight subtle difference.

[96tbird]

^ Cue Mr. Turnaround. Mr. Turnaround? Calling Turnaround, fallacy sighted, you're on.

[Modern Growl]

Originally Posted by DaveAceofBass

String thru is better, but it's very very subtle. It adds a little downward pressure on the saddle...resulting in a tighter feeling string... ...But again, it's a very slight subtle difference.

yup, this is about what I get too..

[Nev375]

My strictly non-scientific impression is that strings go dead quicker on my bass that strings thru the body.

[DaveAceofBass]

Originally Posted by Nev375

My strictly non-scientific impression is that strings go dead quicker on my bass that strings thru the body.

This might be true. I seem to notice the same phenomenon.

[walterw]

i don't buy that; the strings on my '96 american standard P (string-through only) last just fine.