Reverend Mercalli - Strings thru body?

[phantasma13]

I have a new-to-me 4-string Mercalli. I'm going to get it professionally setup soon and swap out the strings. The bass has the option to string thru body or on top. Which should I choose? What are the pros/cons of thru body vs on top?

Also, am considering La Bella Deep Talkin flatwounds ... any feedback or thoughts on those specifically paired with the Mercalli?

 

[arepa_funk]

You need string through strings versus top load. If you don't, it can damage/break the string. LaBella has that type.

I have a Mercalli and have switched between LaBellas and GHS Precision Flats. I dig them both, though the LaBellas have deeper thump to my ears.

 

[arepa_funk]

About which is better, it's really a matter of taste. I like top loaded strings for flats and through body for rounds. Now that I only play flats, I don't go through body at all.

 

[phantasma13]

I don't have any experience with comparing thru body to top loaded. Can you describe what characteristics a player/listener might find different between the two?

 

[michael_t]

I have a new-to-me 4-string Mercalli. I'm going to get it professionally setup soon and swap out the strings. The bass has the option to string thru body or on top. Which should I choose? What are the pros/cons of thru body vs on top?

Also, am considering La Bella Deep Talkin flatwounds ... any feedback or thoughts on those specifically paired with the Mercalli?

Thru-body vs. top-load... No real difference in tone, at least not that you can detect in a real-life application. For me, it boils down to how the strings would fit on it according to their winding length. I personally don't like the idea of installing any flats thru-body due to the sharp angle created at the saddle.

As for La Bella Flats specifically, make sure to choose the right one according to how they will be installed - either the standard version for top-loading or the "thru-body" version.

 

[bigthemat]

I went thru body on mine. La Bella specific ones. Sound good to me

 

[FunkyFlashFive]

I top load my Mercalli, never found a difference in tone with it either way and top load is easier, and quicker to get a broken string out of the way mid song.

 

[Hounddog409]

I don't have any experience with comparing thru body to top loaded. Can you describe what characteristics a player/listener might find different between the two?

No one listening will know the diffefence. I doubt you will eithee.

 

[John Stephen]

No one listening will know the diffefence. I doubt you will eithee.

^^^ This. A listener couldn't possibly hear the difference. Actually it's been scientifically proven that 95% of listeners don't even know what a bass is. You may be able to hear a slight difference when you're practicing alone at home, but in a band, you won't be able to tell any difference either,

 

[GroovinOnFunk]

I don't have any experience with comparing thru body to top loaded. Can you describe what characteristics a player/listener might find different between the two?

Don't overthink it. Just have your tech set it up however he thinks is best. You won't notice any difference in top load vs string-through.

 

[jamro217]

I would top load, given the choice. Why risk damage unnecessarily? Strings are expensive enough to replace due to normal wear. Through the body installation increases the number of bends and fulcrum points (which tend to focus the stress on those points of contact) and potentially create premature string fatigue. Maybe that's being an alarmist, but why tempt fate? Hope this helps.

 

[comatosedragon]

Hey, hope you're loving that Mercalli!

I always top - loaded all my Reverends, for what it's worth.

 

[GreyBeard]

I have a couple of basses that are "either or" and I've tried them both ways with round wounds. I can't tell any difference. If you are worried about string breakage with through the body, then by all means go top load and ease your mind.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

I have a new-to-me 4-string Mercalli. I'm going to get it professionally setup soon and swap out the strings. The bass has the option to string thru body or on top. Which should I choose? What are the pros/cons of thru body vs on top?

Also, am considering La Bella Deep Talkin flatwounds ... any feedback or thoughts on those specifically paired with the Mercalli?

Top.

There is never a reason to string through the body.

But, try both. See if you can notice a difference. I never could. Only thing I notice is that my strings look like they're gonna snap.

 

[Stan_da_man]

I always use string thru if given the opportunity.

No discernible change in tone but in my experience, the strings have a better break angle so hold tune and intonate better.

 

[2saddleslab]

Nothing wrong w/ having a preference. But no need to fear the string thru design. The strings won't break. So many potential pitfalls in life, this ain't one of them.