Brother Jones Posted March 22, 2015 Share Posted March 22, 2015 This has been discussed in the past, mainly with a view to string tension. I think the consensus was that difference was marginal at best. I've played Jazz basses of one sort or another for 30 years (from Hohners and Tokais to NYC Sadowskys), and string-through Fenders since 2001 when I bought my first US Jazz Deluxe. So, having a Sunday afternoon string changeover, I decided to do a little A/B test on my 2012 US Jazz Standard, using a nearly-new set of DR Sunbeams (45-105). In theory, there should be little if any difference in tension, because the strings are free to move at the saddles. There is a potential, if slight difference to tone, as the strings are coupled more directly to the resonant mass of the body when strung through it. There is room for quite a bit of optimism bias here. But the difference seems quite marked.The string tension is palpably lower when strung through the bridge, while the sound is slightly, but noticeably more like a traditional Jazz - a bit more hollowed out and clanky. The string to string balance has changed slightly as well, for the worse. I'm not sure which I ultimately prefer, but have left it strung through the bridge for now... If I'd had the wherewithal, I'd have recorded the difference, as it certainly seems noticeable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
White Cloud Posted March 22, 2015 Share Posted March 22, 2015 In all honesty I believe that it is purely a matter of personal preference. What is right for one may be wrong for another. Go with what you like and just have fun with it regardless of the opinions of others. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted March 22, 2015 Share Posted March 22, 2015 I'd prefer thru the body but it isn't a deal-breaker in itself.. If the bass doesn't sound good thats the deal-breaker. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted March 22, 2015 Share Posted March 22, 2015 (edited) It makes little difference in my opinion. I prefer to have the option of through-bridge because through-body isn't kind to flatwounds. Having said that, the original strings on the first 51 P basses (through body) were flats - rounds appeared later - and apparently some flats are more suitable than others for through-body, so your mileage may vary... Edited March 22, 2015 by discreet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lozz196 Posted March 22, 2015 Share Posted March 22, 2015 On basses where thru-body is available I do it, but that`s more to stop the ferrules (if that`s what they`re called) falling out than for any other reason. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRedX Posted March 23, 2015 Share Posted March 23, 2015 String tension does not change when you string through the body as opposed to through the bridge. What changes is compliance. Read about the difference between the two [url=http://liutaiomottola.com/myth/perception.htm]here[/url]. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CamdenRob Posted March 23, 2015 Share Posted March 23, 2015 I worry about the break angle of the string over the bridge with through body stringing... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neepheid Posted March 23, 2015 Share Posted March 23, 2015 Aside from the compliance factor - on some basses it's mandatory (like the original P bass), and on some it's strongly advised (like the G&L L-2500 - where the bridge is only attached with two screws and the through body stringing helps keep the bridge down. It's possible to top load these, but you're asking an awful lot of those two screws. Doesn't affect the 4 string - screwed down with 6 screws and no through body stringing available). On any Gibson with through body stringing and a three point bridge (RD, Ripper spring to mind) it helps keep string silks/ratty end bits away from the bridge saddles, because the top load anchor is so close to the saddles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Telebass Posted March 23, 2015 Share Posted March 23, 2015 The single biggest difference between the two methods: one clamps the bridge on, the other tries to tear it off. Having said that, I'm rather fond of the Yamaha angled thru-body idea - seems logical, and is probably entirely ok for LaBellas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EssentialTension Posted March 23, 2015 Share Posted March 23, 2015 Unless you tune to a different note or change the strings for a different gauge or manufacturer, then there can be no difference in tension. One may, and I do mean 'may', experience an apparent change in compliance or elasticity. I have never noticed that myself. But the physics of it means that one would expect the string to feel tighter (i.e. less compliant) when strung through bridge and looser (i.e. more compliant) when strung through the body - because of the extra length of string beyond the witness point supposedly allowed greater flexibility along the length of the whole string. BigRedX's link is very useful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.