Partial top load?

[TheGoodTexan]

I've seen folks use a top-load bridge on string-thru bodies, and run some of the strings through the body, and some of them through the bridge.

Apparently they feel that some strings sound better one way versus the other.

Anyone here do that? Which strings go where? What do you fell the tonal advantages are?

[Dazed and Confused]

I have a '90s MIM toploader, and after playing a few string-thru teles, ive discovered that the string thru has more sustain, but its much harder to bend, and string break more easily at the bridge.

toploaders are easier to bend, easier to put strings on your guitar, but still sound fine.

I couldent really pick much of a tonal difference.

Go Toploaders!

[Doug 54]

I have posted here before of doing it 4 yrs ago with a Reverend Rocco:

Had the bridge drilled for 3 compensated Tele saddles AND had strings 1-4 drilled as topload.
It was already string-thru.

It was easier to bend on those.
Tone negatives?? Don't think any since the REV is light and really rang out already.

Problems: With my extreme bending the strings would slide--- esp with the angled compensated saddles.
I did notch them to hold the strings better.
It did---but I got some buzz because I didn't do it quite right.

Sold it (converted back to original bridge saddles) because it just lacked good mids/bass. Didn't want to mess w new pups, caps, etc.

[Doug 54]

btt