Those newer Fender 3 hole bridges

Busker · #1 01-31-2009, 09:09 PM

You know, three mounting screws. Aren't these intended for through body stringing only? It does have the holes for top loading also, but are three screws really enough to hold if the strings are top loaded?

RMay · #2 01-31-2009, 10:21 PM

3 hole bridges are not only intended for string-through. Yes, the 3 hole is stable as the five-hole bridge. The 3-hole is a high mass bridge (thicker), in addition the screws are larger diameter than the usually 5 screws. Top-load/String-thru, I can only feel the difference between string tensions, i don't hear a difference.

elBandito · #3 02-01-2009, 11:01 AM

Top load seems fine even with high tension roto flats.

JustDavid · #4 02-01-2009, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RMay

Top-load/String-thru, I can only feel the difference between string tensions,

? Same tuning?

RMay · #5 02-01-2009, 04:28 PM

Same tuning and string guage.
You may ask, how can that be??? While I was setting up a bass I top loaded a D string by mistake immediately I felt the difference in my right-hand attack. The D string felt a little flexible in comparison to the E,A, G. The string through design puts more of the string into contact with the surface of the bridge saddle, and that helps keep the string from sliding around. The flip side would be that a top loader would have some different feel with the string's ability to move around lengthwise or sideways. Again, the only difference i can tell is the tension of the strings. Top loaded bridges give more 'flexibility' to the strings and thus the string tension is greater on a thru-body bridge with more string anchored to a solid point - namely the body and hense less flexibility.