Top Loader vs. String Through

NEPATelecaster · July 22nd, 2006, 07:20 PM

Besides the obvious visual aspect, what is the "advantages / disadvantages" or just all around difference between each type?

AZMIKE · July 22nd, 2006, 08:49 PM

There have been a lot of threads and a lot of opinions on this one. Having owned both, I go along with the theory that the top-loaders have a "looser" feel. Bends are a bit easier, etc. My hands are pretty beat up from years of building trade work followed by years of computer keyboards and mice, so any relief I get is welcome, but it really isn't that big of a difference. Some also say that the toploaders are easier to restring, but I didn't notice. Bottom line for me was/is that if I like a tele, I don't really care that much about whether it is a top-loader or string-through. Currently, I have the former, and my next one could well be the latter.

Mike

Pete Galati · July 22nd, 2006, 08:53 PM

I don't think it's an advantages/disadvantages type of situation.

My theory (only a untested theory) is that string-thru should give you a more solid attack, while the top-loaded should give you stretchier strings.

I have one Tele I could load the strings either way, but I'm not real big on changing new strings, so I'll probably never test the theory.

a42 · July 22nd, 2006, 09:54 PM

I've got a top-loader and a string-thru both strung with the same strings. I'd agree that the top-loader seems "stretchier" or easier to bend.

crawdad · July 23rd, 2006, 01:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete Galati

I don't think it's an advantages/disadvantages type of situation.

My theory (only a untested theory) is that string-thru should give you a more solid attack, while the top-loaded should give you stretchier strings.

I always assumed (right or wrong) that the string-thru would transfer more string vibration into the body than a top loader, but most of the string vibration is actually transferred from the saddles to the bridge plate to the body. So maybe it doesn't matter.

I have a Squier top loader that I've been using for experiments. Its a Tele bridge/Strat middle/neck humbucker right now. I have considered making it a string-thru body, but maybe its not worth it. It has good twang and punch just as it is.

Maybe there is something to the stretchier strings. I use 11's on it and it is easy to play.

ramseybella · July 23rd, 2006, 05:42 AM

I would think through the body will give more downward tension across the three saddle bridge saddles, witch will give more sustain and snapper tone.
I also have read someplace recently that mid 50’s Tele’s had top loader bridges for one or two years?

chickenpicker · July 23rd, 2006, 05:59 AM

Mine was a toploader until I drilled it through. Bending the top E string caused its saddle to tilt off the bridge.

Rob DiStefano · July 23rd, 2006, 06:43 AM

IMO, it isn't a contest, and one isn't better than the other - just different in different ways.

TG · July 23rd, 2006, 07:13 AM

The advantage of a top-loader, IMO, is being able to get away with a slightly heavier string guage. When you bend (or fret...which is bending) a string you stretch the whole length. It's surprising, but those 2 inches can make a noticable difference.
The the only disadvantage is having the strings slide on the saddles. A situation for threaded or grooved saddles, maybe.

Other than that I don't think there's much difference between top-load and string thru.

Five Finger Fender Fiend · July 23rd, 2006, 08:57 AM

I have a top-loader too and it seems to me that the sound is slightly
more 'steely'. It's more of a 'surface sound' if you know what i mean.
To me this is more apparant when the guitar is played without an amp.

Bending is definitely easier no matter what string gauge is used.

skip62 · July 23rd, 2006, 10:27 AM

My experience is the top-loader has more sustain. The same reason that it's easier to bend makes it sustain longer. The string is looser. That tight 90 degree angle to go thru body is harmful to a string. Look at the big E string, you can see how the winds are pulled apart on the top of the string as it makes that big bend, if you could see underneath that string the coils would be mashed together. I would guess you break fewer strings with the top-loader, but I don't think this could ever be proven.

YMMV, These are just my observations.

0le FUZZY · July 23rd, 2006, 12:01 PM

Iffin yew like tew change out P/Us a lot then a top-load makes it faster.

0.F.

zombywoof · July 23rd, 2006, 12:46 PM

Sorry can't help ya. I always thought the string through body was the way to go until I played a CS '59 Esquire top loader. If I had the scratch, it would be sitting here right now.
As many here have said, tone and sustain comes from the sum of the parts - pups, neck mass, body weight, bridge, and whatever. And sometimes, if you are real lucky, all those parts just come together and create an absolutely gorgeous sounding and playing instrument.

Sarge · July 24th, 2006, 09:21 AM

I really don't think that there is much differance tonally, an LP Custom is a top loader and there isn't no sustain problems with that set up. That's the only guitar that I own that isn't strung thru. It really isn't a consideration that I look for when buying a guitar...it just seems that most guitars are strung thru nowdays. I don't belive I've ever played (knowingly a top loader), except for LP's or LP copies, it would be interesting to compare the 2 if they were set up similar. Still, it wouldn't effect my purchase.

Rob DiStefano · July 24th, 2006, 09:30 AM

IMO, there are more variables about a guitar than once could even remember to mention.

What type of string holding bridge sustains best, top loader or string through?

My answer is both and neither - there are too many variables to consider when making a general statement about "sustain".

With a particular guitar, to know for sure which sstring holding method/bridge ustains best, you need to test that guitar with both bridges and record each.

But, is "increased sustain" that important an issue? Is it that great a requirement? Is an increase in sustain going to affect your playing and tone *that* much greater/better? I wonder about little things like that ...

captain gorgeous · July 24th, 2006, 10:00 AM

as far as i understand it the additional total string length of a thru-body will add the stiffness of feel. this is because because a greater length of string (albeit little more than an inch and a half or so and behind/below the saddles) requires a higher tension to reach the same pitch.

therefore in theory, toploaders would feel looser.

they'll also have a more shallow break angle of the saddles which will contribute to this effect.

sustain, resonance etc i really couldn't comment on. okay - i could!

it appears to me that with a thru-body bridge you have all that additional down-force essentially pushing the bridge into the body that you don't have on a top loader. 2 inches or so of all 6 strings doing a 90 degree turn at a greater overall tension and being anchored to the body underneath the bridge... as opposed to about what? 30 degrees and being anchored to the bridge itself which actually thinking about it now, provides no additional downforce between bridge and body at all. the only thing holding a top loader to the body is the mounting screws. so depending on how good the contact between bridge and body is and how much stock you set in the effects thereof... that might be a contributing factor?

it's a funny one. when this topic comes up people always say that les pauls are top loading which is of course true but the design is so fundamentally different it's like comparing apples and cheesburgers. in an lp bridge all the downward force is concentrated on two weighty posts both sunk deep into the body, whereas a tele the downforce is spread over quite a wide area of a relatively flimsy metal... secured at one end only! so who's to say that "downforce" is what we're actually looking for in good tele tone.

it's a hype minefield out there.

bo · July 24th, 2006, 12:46 PM

I have a guitar with a '60 bridge that's drilled to do both. The top loaded strings tend to be slightly easier to bend. The tone doesn't seem to be affected. There's very little difference overall.

captain gorgeous · July 24th, 2006, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bo

I have a guitar with a '60 bridge that's drilled to do both. The top loaded strings tend to be slightly easier to bend. The tone doesn't seem to be affected. There's very little difference overall.

has anyone tried toploading some strings and putting other thru? was thinking that might be pretty cool. easy bending fat plain strings and taught snappy wound strings? hmmmm.

ramseybella · July 24th, 2006, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by captain gorgeous

has anyone tried toploading some strings and putting other thru? was thinking that might be pretty cool. easy bending fat plain strings and taught snappy wound strings? hmmmm.

I need to try that Plane stings top wound strings thru!!

July 22nd, 2006, 07:20 PM	#1 (permalink)
NEPATelecaster Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Archbald - NEAR Scranton PA Age: 34 Posts: 1,079	Top Loader vs. String Through Besides the obvious visual aspect, what is the "advantages / disadvantages" or just all around difference between each type?

July 23rd, 2006, 08:57 AM	#10 (permalink)
Five Finger Fender Fiend Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Bron-Yr-Aur Posts: 667	I have a top-loader too and it seems to me that the sound is slightly more 'steely'. It's more of a 'surface sound' if you know what i mean. To me this is more apparant when the guitar is played without an amp. Bending is definitely easier no matter what string gauge is used. __________________ I'm on the road tonight with this old hillbilly band. We may not be good looking but we sure get outta hand. -Neil Young

July 23rd, 2006, 12:46 PM	#13 (permalink)
zombywoof Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Back in the Heartland Posts: 2,893 17 Photos	Sorry can't help ya. I always thought the string through body was the way to go until I played a CS '59 Esquire top loader. If I had the scratch, it would be sitting here right now. As many here have said, tone and sustain comes from the sum of the parts - pups, neck mass, body weight, bridge, and whatever. And sometimes, if you are real lucky, all those parts just come together and create an absolutely gorgeous sounding and playing instrument. __________________ "I don't play a lot of fancy guitar. I don't want to play it. The kind of guitar I want to play is mean, mean licks." John Lee Hooker

July 24th, 2006, 10:00 AM	#16 (permalink)
captain gorgeous Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Angel, North London Posts: 1,886 38 Photos	as far as i understand it the additional total string length of a thru-body will add the stiffness of feel. this is because because a greater length of string (albeit little more than an inch and a half or so and behind/below the saddles) requires a higher tension to reach the same pitch. therefore in theory, toploaders would feel looser. they'll also have a more shallow break angle of the saddles which will contribute to this effect. sustain, resonance etc i really couldn't comment on. okay - i could! it appears to me that with a thru-body bridge you have all that additional down-force essentially pushing the bridge into the body that you don't have on a top loader. 2 inches or so of all 6 strings doing a 90 degree turn at a greater overall tension and being anchored to the body underneath the bridge... as opposed to about what? 30 degrees and being anchored to the bridge itself which actually thinking about it now, provides no additional downforce between bridge and body at all. the only thing holding a top loader to the body is the mounting screws. so depending on how good the contact between bridge and body is and how much stock you set in the effects thereof... that might be a contributing factor? it's a funny one. when this topic comes up people always say that les pauls are top loading which is of course true but the design is so fundamentally different it's like comparing apples and cheesburgers. in an lp bridge all the downward force is concentrated on two weighty posts both sunk deep into the body, whereas a tele the downforce is spread over quite a wide area of a relatively flimsy metal... secured at one end only! so who's to say that "downforce" is what we're actually looking for in good tele tone. it's a hype minefield out there. __________________ "What is it with chimpanzees and that middle parting? It's so 1920s." www.myspace.com/daddylonglegsuk http://www.myspace.com/thetacticians

July 22nd, 2006, 08:49 PM	#2 (permalink)
AZMIKE Tele-Meister Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Prescott, Arizona Posts: 176	There have been a lot of threads and a lot of opinions on this one. Having owned both, I go along with the theory that the top-loaders have a "looser" feel. Bends are a bit easier, etc. My hands are pretty beat up from years of building trade work followed by years of computer keyboards and mice, so any relief I get is welcome, but it really isn't that big of a difference. Some also say that the toploaders are easier to restring, but I didn't notice. Bottom line for me was/is that if I like a tele, I don't really care that much about whether it is a top-loader or string-through. Currently, I have the former, and my next one could well be the latter. Mike

July 22nd, 2006, 08:53 PM	#3 (permalink)
Pete Galati R.I.P. Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 8,104 2 Photos	I don't think it's an advantages/disadvantages type of situation. My theory (only a untested theory) is that string-thru should give you a more solid attack, while the top-loaded should give you stretchier strings. I have one Tele I could load the strings either way, but I'm not real big on changing new strings, so I'll probably never test the theory.

July 22nd, 2006, 09:54 PM	#4 (permalink)
a42 Tele-Meister Join Date: May 2005 Location: Bowie, MD Posts: 191	I've got a top-loader and a string-thru both strung with the same strings. I'd agree that the top-loader seems "stretchier" or easier to bend.

July 23rd, 2006, 05:42 AM	#6 (permalink)
ramseybella Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Santa Fe New Mexico Posts: 1,044 48 Photos	I would think through the body will give more downward tension across the three saddle bridge saddles, witch will give more sustain and snapper tone. I also have read someplace recently that mid 50’s Tele’s had top loader bridges for one or two years?

July 23rd, 2006, 05:59 AM	#7 (permalink)
chickenpicker Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: UK Posts: 3,060 14 Photos	Mine was a toploader until I drilled it through. Bending the top E string caused its saddle to tilt off the bridge.

July 23rd, 2006, 06:43 AM	#8 (permalink)
Rob DiStefano Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Park Ridge, NJ Age: 62 Posts: 4,755	IMO, it isn't a contest, and one isn't better than the other - just different in different ways.

July 23rd, 2006, 07:13 AM	#9 (permalink)
TG Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Beside a bog in the west of Ireland Age: 47 Posts: 4,462 7 Photos	The advantage of a top-loader, IMO, is being able to get away with a slightly heavier string guage. When you bend (or fret...which is bending) a string you stretch the whole length. It's surprising, but those 2 inches can make a noticable difference. The the only disadvantage is having the strings slide on the saddles. A situation for threaded or grooved saddles, maybe. Other than that I don't think there's much difference between top-load and string thru.

July 23rd, 2006, 10:27 AM	#11 (permalink)
skip62 Tele-Meister Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 337	My experience is the top-loader has more sustain. The same reason that it's easier to bend makes it sustain longer. The string is looser. That tight 90 degree angle to go thru body is harmful to a string. Look at the big E string, you can see how the winds are pulled apart on the top of the string as it makes that big bend, if you could see underneath that string the coils would be mashed together. I would guess you break fewer strings with the top-loader, but I don't think this could ever be proven. YMMV, These are just my observations.

July 23rd, 2006, 12:01 PM	#12 (permalink)
0le FUZZY Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Kolly-forn-knee-ya Posts: 10,001 6 Photos	Iffin yew like tew change out P/Us a lot then a top-load makes it faster. 0.F.

July 24th, 2006, 09:21 AM	#14 (permalink)
Sarge Friend of Leo's Join Date: May 2004 Location: Pgh,Pa Age: 53 Posts: 3,549	I really don't think that there is much differance tonally, an LP Custom is a top loader and there isn't no sustain problems with that set up. That's the only guitar that I own that isn't strung thru. It really isn't a consideration that I look for when buying a guitar...it just seems that most guitars are strung thru nowdays. I don't belive I've ever played (knowingly a top loader), except for LP's or LP copies, it would be interesting to compare the 2 if they were set up similar. Still, it wouldn't effect my purchase.

July 24th, 2006, 09:30 AM	#15 (permalink)
Rob DiStefano Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Park Ridge, NJ Age: 62 Posts: 4,755	IMO, there are more variables about a guitar than once could even remember to mention. What type of string holding bridge sustains best, top loader or string through? My answer is both and neither - there are too many variables to consider when making a general statement about "sustain". With a particular guitar, to know for sure which sstring holding method/bridge ustains best, you need to test that guitar with both bridges and record each. But, is "increased sustain" that important an issue? Is it that great a requirement? Is an increase in sustain going to affect your playing and tone that much greater/better? I wonder about little things like that ...

July 24th, 2006, 12:46 PM	#17 (permalink)
bo Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 1,766	I have a guitar with a '60 bridge that's drilled to do both. The top loaded strings tend to be slightly easier to bend. The tone doesn't seem to be affected. There's very little difference overall.