People have been asking me why I wrapover my strings at the stop tail portion as seen above. Here's an overdue explanation why that happens to all my tune-o-matic type bridge, one thing's for sure though- it's not a Joe Bonamassa technical emulation. I've been doing this way before I know who JB is.
Forgive the crude illustrations but here goes (side view of guitar body at the bridge area):
- A: Guitar strings
- B: Tune-o-matic bridge
- C: Stop tail
Every time I acquire a guitar with a tune-o-matic + stop tail bridge type, I'd lower the action to suit my playing. This would mean component B would be screwed down. The immediate effect of this procedure is that A loses tension even after the instrument had been re-tuned. This is bad because the lower tension would mean the strings won't stay put at B's slotted tip; they would get dislodged from the slots if I bend or pick hard.
So to return A to its correct tension setting, I lower C- it's lowered to its lowest possible position. But take a look at what happened there- the strings come into contact with B. This causes buzzing at that spot & you don't want that to happen.
It's a simple problem, yes? The simple solution here is to employ the wrap over stringing so that the angle created from the tip of B to C would ensure strings elevation, ta da! No more contact with B. So that's why you see what you see, it's a practical need as opposed to the primary aim of adding more resonance at the bridge area. But the fact that it does is a bonus :-)
8 comments:
Ooooo. I've learnt something new and useful!
won't work for string-thru-body TOMs :)
I have to say,I like this idea.you genius man.
some said that using this method, u will feel that the string feel less stiff for example if u use 11 gauge, maybe u feel it like 10.5 gauge..i never done this..what d u think?
i'm using .0095s... if there's any tension diff there, i think i won't feel it...
yep.. it's what i did to my TOM all these years. very practical indeed.
i like your drawings! :D
Thank you for this insightful post on the wrapover stringing technique. Your explanation of how lowering the Tune-o-Matic bridge can cause string tension loss and lead to buzzing when the strings contact the bridge is clear and practical. Your solution of employing wrapover stringing to ensure proper string elevation is both effective and thoughtful.
For those interested in enhancing their guitar's performance, the Faber USA ABR-59 Tune-o-Matic bridge offers precision and durability, reflecting the innovations in bridge design.
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