String through body

[David Jayne]

With stringing 2 strings STB and the other 2 top load than flipping them over, you are already mixing variables and adding to inconsistency of the results due to all 4 strings being of different gauge. How would you expect to feel any difference each time? String up G and E strings for me via STB and top load at the same time, than flip than over after a bit of playing...I wouldn't be able to decide the difference due to the mixed variables.

In that case I respectfully suggest it simply doesn't matter, either at all or not enough to bother debating.

 

[darrenmt]

In that case I respectfully suggest it simply doesn't matter, either at all or not enough to bother debating.

It isn't compulsory for you to follow nor give your opinions on this topic if it doesn't hold you interest or matter to you.

 

[mark beem]

I don't really worry because in a live or studio situation, tone-wise it's not gonna make a difference. The only place where it makes a difference to me is when I'm changing strings.

 

[David Jayne]

It isn't compulsory for you to follow nor give your opinions on this topic if it doesn't hold you interest or matter to you.

Fair enough. I'm saying it's a myth, with no basis in logic or engineering. I'll bow out.

 

[Mustang Surly]

All my basses are short scales. The two that produce the clearest, best-defined E-string tone, especially down near the nut, are both string-thru (the others are both top-loaders). I've not sampled a large enough number of different basses to judge whether this difference is due to the string-thru construction or some other factor or combination of factors. All the basses are strung with the same brand/gauge flats. I'd been assuming that the sharper break angle had something to do with this, but that's only a guess.

Both Larry Carlton and Robben Ford are convinced that the distance between the bridge and the stoptail on their 335-type guitars affects both tone and playability and have had their stoptails positioned in a "non-stock" spot based on this belief. I would think that break angle would be the only explanation for their perceptions (unless they are experiencing a joint hallucination). In Ford's case, the stoptail was swapped on to replace a Bigsby.

 

[Marcus Willett]

...Both Larry Carlton and Robben Ford are convinced that the distance between the bridge and the stoptail on their 335-type guitars affects both tone and playability and have had their stoptails positioned in a "non-stock" spot based on this belief. I would think that break angle would be the only explanation for their perceptions ...I'd been assuming that the sharper break angle had something to do with this, but that's only a guess.

My guess (and I've experimented with this a bit) is that moving the witness point further from the ball end (and thus to a more flexible part of the string) changes the manner in which the string vibrates. Just a theory but it is consistent with what I have observed with both strings through, and moving the stop tail/tailpiece further from the saddles.

 

[tepperware]

Don't EE

 

[tumbaobab]

Here is a nice video.



On clip 4 I can hear more thump on the string thru body version... Take time to figure out which version, 4A or 4B, I'm talking about and watch the answer at the end of the video once you're sure of your choice...

(Don't read the comments.)

 

[Nephilymbass]

For those that have a bass with a string through body option, do you put all your strings through the body or just the lower ones?

Have any of you noticed a different feel or tone when doing the higher strings through the body?

None of them. Personally I disagree with the concept. String through makes the body resonate more but because of the harder angle the strings take to go through the body string twisting when strings are installed is actually worse from my experience.

 

[dirkcalloway]

Here is a nice video.



On clip 4 I can hear more thump on the string thru body version... Take time to figure out which version, 4A or 4B, I'm talking about and watch the answer at the end of the video once you're sure of your choice...

(Don't read the comments.)

I didn't think I had an actual opinion on the matter in terms of tone but solely a tentative, empirical preference in terms of feel on the strings (apparently strings through body seem work better for what I'm after, more often than not). Now, to my surprise, I guessed all the answers in this test with no hesitation. I didn't think I could tell the sonic implications, at least not clearly....and that's very interesting. Or maybe just coincidence?

 

[Ian McLaughlin]

Never been able to do a perfect side by side comparison between top and thru body. However, many years ago I would bring a 58 P bass, 69 Jazz, and 68 Tele bass to gigs and always found the Tele delivered more solid lows and an overall fuller tone. Was it the bridge, the pickup, the wood, all of the above? Who knows, but I've gravitated to string thru ever since.

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Wait, '68 Teles were string-thru? Fender did that back then?

 

[mongo2]

Wait, '68 Teles were string-thru? Fender did that back then?

Yes. Fender also used string through bridges earlier on P basses from 1951 to 1957 when the revised P bass was introduced with a top load bridge.

 

[zubrycky]

While the ferrules are hidden, both of my hollowbodies are string through body. In my case it was just a practical issue. They are 32" scale basses and going through the body lets me use standard length strings with no issues.

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Beautiful basses! Congrats!

 

[zubrycky]

I have only one bass with string through body option, a Yamaha BB 424. It came with all the strings through the body when I received it as a gift from my Dad a few years ago and I haven't change that.

On the guitar side of things, I leave my Kraft Telecaster and my Peavey with the strings through the body.