• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Stringing AmStd P question

Philibuster

Philibuster

Supporting Member
Jan 5, 2012
446
486
The Black Hills
#1
So I got an '11 American Standard Precision that I going to be putting some Chromes on but am at a loss for something slightly obvious??:eyebrow:

Every bass I've had to this point offered one option or the other when it comes to stringing: string-thru-bridge or thru-body. This P offer both options as I'm sure many of you are aware... so which do I choose? Sonically speaking, what are the differences? Is it simply player's preference?

Any and all help will be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
 
#3
Philibuster, I am having the same dilemma right now.

Putting chromes on my 2012 AmStd and uncertain what to do. I asked two very reliable bass head friends of mine and they came back with two different answers. The first one said, "don't go thru the body." He couldn't remember why, but said it's bad to run flats thru the body. The other guy said, "he never had a string thru body bass, but he would run them through the body since more length = more to resonate/ vibrate."

So, after all that I'm still unsure.

If you have already put your strings on I'd love to know what you went with and how they're sounding. Any input would be helpful, thank you in advance!
 
#4
There is not a huge difference, if any IMO.

Just some food for thought, you could always string through the body first...then go through the bridge if you're curious. Through body the string will be longer, so you'd still be able to go through the bridge.
 
#5
fuzzdemon said:
Putting chromes on my 2012 AmStd and uncertain what to do. I asked two very reliable bass head friends of mine and they came back with two different answers. The first one said, "don't go thru the body." He couldn't remember why, but said it's bad to run flats thru the body. The other guy said, "he never had a string thru body bass, but he would run them through the body since more length = more to resonate/ vibrate."
Click to expand...

The hard, almost-90-degree angle that through-body imposes on the strings can cause some flatwounds or more brittle strings to break (no personal experience, but some report this). As for the resonance, if you think about it, the extra string length is all behind the bridge, so it can't resonate--your scale length is the same either way, right? Personally, I don't hear a meaningful difference between stringing one way or the other on the same bass, but then I'm old and deaf. ;) Unless you're concerned about string breakage, give 'em both a try!
 
#6
AmazingMumford,

Thanks for your post. Yes, I was concerned that the angle created by going through the body might have some ill effect on the string and its lifespan. Think I'll go through the bridge for the time being so as not to kink the strings too much and can make further set up decisions from there. Thanks for all the input!
 
#12
Philibuster said:
Well I don't want that :bawl:

What would cause them to fall out? Do you speak from experience?
Click to expand...

I have had 2 AmStd basses(just recently parted with my '08 Jazz) and both of them were strung top-loaded with Chromes. Never had a ferrule even get loose.

Personally, I would run the strings top-loaded as it doesn't put as much of a kink in the string. I have been told it may cause the wound outer part of the string to be more prone to breaking. Anyway, that's how my 2010 P is strung and it works great that way! :cool:
 
#13
Put the flats on today. Started by going through the body but ended up top loading due to the angle on the string: I could see the wounds starting to separate. They just look "happier" going through the bridge. Gonna keep a close eye on the ferrules, though they don't look like they're going anywhere. Gonna do a slight setup but they feel great! Thanks to everyone for their input!
 
#14
fuzzdemon said:
Put the flats on today. Started by going through the body but ended up top loading due to the angle on the string: I could see the wounds starting to separate. They just look "happier" going through the bridge. Gonna keep a close eye on the ferrules, though they don't look like they're going anywhere. Gonna do a slight setup but they feel great! Thanks to everyone for their input!
Click to expand...

Hey definitely let me know if you have any trouble with the ferrules and what you do to remedy the situation if it arises. The pickguard will be here Friday so I'll throw that and the Chromes on then and let you know how it goes... :bassist:
 
#16
AmazingMumford said:
So...this begs the question: did you notice any difference in the sound between the two methods?
Click to expand...

I did not, but the tone wasn't really my end game. I was more worried about the angle caused by running through the body being detrimental to the string's life and longevity. Based on what I've read, people don't seem to notice any difference in tone through the body vs top loaded, my main concern was that the flat wound strings would be negatively impacted by taking the stress of the kink that through the body causes. I've talked to people who have run through the body and they have no problems. On my bass the strings just look like they're under less stress running through the bridge.

That being said, they sound great!

I will be keeping a close eye on the ferrules but they seem to be pretty well seated and I don't foresee them falling out. Might just put a piece of gaff tape over them to safe guard against this.

thanks to everyone for their input!
 
#18
I have done it both ways lots of times on my Fender Roscoe Beck Signature bass and can't tell any difference at all. So these days I just string it on top because it's quicker and easier. Plus I don't have to worry about the length and break angle. If it were me, I would just string it on top. Those high-mass bridges have such a large solid contact area with the body of the bass, I would argue that there is not enough difference for the human ear to detect. Just for fun I actually strung mine up every other string just to see. Mine is a 5 and I did B, A, and G through the body and E and D on top. Nothing. No difference whatsoever. Due to the break angle, they FELT ever so slightly different, but no tonal difference at all.
 
#19
I prefer to load thru body only for the fact that its easy on the finish and the ferrules wont fall out..and they will. I just bought a 08' MIA standard and ran my TI's thru body. This set has been thru body and top loaded on at least 5 basses and are still going strong.
I have never had string thru issues with flat and run chromes on all the rest of my basses. BTW there is not diff in tone IMO.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back