Top Wrapping Gibsons

Yargnad said:
Can you tell the difference in string tension? I've never tried it on mine, but I know a guy that swears by it claiming the less extreme break over the saddles makes it feel easier to bend. I've played his SG but I don't really remember so I can't say.
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I think there may be something there. I can't stand the feel of a 25.5 scale guitar with a whammy bar. They feel sloppy to me.

The break angle comes up a lot at both the neck and bridge in this conversation. What I will say is try the nylon saddles. And maybe swapping out the Nashville for an abr-1.
 
I top wrap some guitars but not others. I definitely notice a difference in feel bending the strings when they're top wrapped though.

As for the physics, it makes sense that at a given pitch, the same scale length requires the same tension regardless of the length of inactive string.

But I think when bending notes, you're increasing the tension of the full string from tuner to tailpiece, not just from nut to bridge. So to bend a whole step on a slightly longer string length (top wrapped) you need to bend it just a hairsbreadth further. This, I think, is enough to give it that slightly different feel - especially when it comes to small amounts of bend as in finger vibrato, or even the very slight deformation involved with fretting notes.

This to me is where the difference is most evident. The same thing would account for the difference in feel on a toploader Tele vs a string-through one, or a trem Strat vs a hardtail.

I'm not 100% sure this is the actual principle at work here. But as the saying goes, I'd argue it over a beer.
 
Yah, some argue that it's just a matter of break angle. But I can't help feeling that total string length enters into it.

I have one toploader Tele and like it, a lot. If it were as easy as switching to top wrap on a Les Paul, I'd change the others.
 
eSGEe said:
HOLY CRAP! I agree WITH GBALL! (guys we are at the end of days) -- BUWAHAHAHAH
I agree when top wrapped the strings FEEL looser-- lighter SLINKY ish --- dont like that --I PLAY BASS--- I BEND BASS Strings-- when I bend gutiar strings I always OVERSHOOT the damn bend---- skinny little things--- so -----I dont top wrap BUWAHAHAH
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Adrian, we are truly brothers from other mothers. I tried top wrapping and didn't like it. My guitar playing is crap and if I don't have enough string tension, my bends overshoot every time. Besides, it just don't feel right. Been playing bass way too long (40 years)!
 
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eSGEe said:
Snow....
It was 90 here today......yes kids NINETY degrees ;)
Glorious warmth!!!!!
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Let's just be clear, there is no snow here in the cities. I've even been using the AC in the truck the last couple of days making deliveries as it is getting warm. My cabin is a whole different situation being up by the Canook border above Lake Superior.
 
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