Top wrappers unite!

[jeremyb]

Quite happy with the top wrap job on my Edwards, only negative thing is the string tension seems to be decreased, think I might have to move from my normal 10-52's to 11-56's, anyone else noticed this? Found the bottom string in C# was a lot more flappy on open notes than I'm used to....

[Les_Paul86]

Isn't that the point of top wrapping?

[jeremyb]

Nope, the main advantage is from being able to screw the tailpiece all the way down onto the body to get more sustain, but maintain a shallow string angle over the saddles for better tuning stability etc...

[Les_Paul86]

But, shallow string angle also means less tension. I would have thought that was more prominent than string stability. The strings are also not set in a grove so can move more freely.

I get the Sustain thing, but I thought one of the other main benefits was less tension? Lets you put a set of fatty's on and still do some insane bending.

[Bg]

But, shallow string angle also means less tension. I would have thought that was more prominent than string stability. The strings are also not set in a grove so can move more freely.

I get the Sustain thing, but I thought one of the other main benefits was less tension? Lets you put a set of fatty's on and still do some insane bending.

yep this, exactly. One of the benefits anyway.

[Starfire]

I don't really thing it makes any difference to sustain whether you screw the tailpiece right down or not. I've tried both on the Tokai and it seemed the same. So the main advantage for me is the reduced string tension. Had 10-46 on without top wrapping and it just felt too slinky so I chucked some 11-48 on. Didn't try them strung the usual way, but the tension they have top wrapped feels right to me. About the same as my Cabronita with 10-46.

[sizzlingbadger]

Top wrapping can reduce the tension on the bridge so its less likely to distort, esp. true for ABR1 bridges.

[jeremyb]

I thought one of the other main benefits was less tension? Lets you put a set of fatty's on and still do some insane bending.

Hmmm not sure why people who wanted less tension wouldn't just run lighter strings?!??!?!

[sizzlingbadger]

It looks cool, all that matters to most guitarists.

[Les_Paul86]

I thought one of the other main benefits was less tension? Lets you put a set of fatty's on and still do some insane bending.

Hmmm not sure why people who wanted less tension wouldn't just run lighter strings?!??!?!

Because... Tone?

[Les_Paul86]

Like SBadger say's.. it does look cool lol.

I've tried both ways but I prefer the feel of standard set up personally. Same as how I float the trem on my strats. I'll loose a bit of sustain but I prefer the feel. There's not right or wrong, just what you prefer

[GrantB]

I relieve my tension in other ways

[Les_Paul86]

I relieve my tension in other ways

Does every thread mention hand shandy's?

[GrantB]

Pretty much

[Bg]

ok top wrapping... less string breakage, less tension (why run lighter strings? they have less tone - allegedly, billy gibbons says no), joe bonamassa (noooooo!!!!) , jimmy page (yessssss!!!!!)
moar sustain.

I'm not going to argue for any of the above, its just something I've always done throughout lp style ownership, mainly because less string breakage, my first tokai was very prone, top wrapped and no breaks though I noticed a definite increase in sustain - Gibbo has always been wrapped so has the Ash so can't comment. Oh and my LP has locking tuners which increases string tension, top wrapping reduces so 10's feel like 10's again.

No comment on this extra ball end thing, the strings I use, the wound bit doesn't come over the top of the bridge anyway, never has.

No more hundys for grant