through body vs top load

[mozarwasagenius]

I couldn't believe I didn't find a thread on this with the search function.

Can someone tell me what difference on a B string top loading vs through-body stringing does for tone, tension and sustain?

Thanks

[Dr. Toboggan]

Its just one of those things man. ya know?

[T-Bird]

Hi.

Originally Posted by mozarwasagenius

I couldn't believe I didn't find a thread on this with the search function.

That's only because of the way the search function works, not because the issue hasn't been discussed

Originally Posted by mozarwasagenius

Can someone tell me what difference on a B string top loading vs through-body stringing does for tone, tension and sustain?

Thanks

I can only speak from limited experience, but here it comes.

Since some of the B-string equipped basses have incorrectly placed bridges, either block or individuals, top loading may be the only option as the break angle over the saddle becomes way too sharp to be convenient. Especially true when going a bit lower to F#.

Reducing the break angle is supposed to reduce sustain, but I haven't found any difference with my two low tuned basses.

For tone, the supposition is the same, again, I haven't noticed any difference. My F#BEADG has F#, B & E on top, A, D & G through, on ABM style mono-rails.

The fact that I don't notice the difference, doesn't in any way mean that I think there can't be any.

As for the tension, that's a can of worms opened, I won't touch that with a ten foot pole. .

Regards
Sam

[mozarwasagenius]

Originally Posted by T-Bird

Hi.



That's only because of the way the search function works, not because the issue hasn't been discussed

You're right, using the google search yielded more info. Thanks for the tip