Top Wrapping discussion

[Francois]

I like to start a thread on top wrapping. In fact I have a question. But more generally let's discuss Top Wrapping. Who likes it ?

I use it on the Gibson and I like the way it resonates especially unplugged (often play unplugged electrics as I also play in the night when my daughters and wife are asleep)

But one specific guitar : the Vantage X-88 the top wrapping in impossible as the stop bar cannot be set low enough.
Should I change the studs inside the wood ? or file the saddles ?
Most probably I should give top wrapping on that guitar. I tried with two strings. It sound nicer but when you bend the string it jump out !

[bigcupholder]

Re: Top Wrapping discussion

Top wrapping is pointless. Setting the stop bar higher accomplishes the same thing.

Set it to a height where the strings feel looser like you seem to like but not so high that they pop out when you bend.

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[Aceman]

Re: Top Wrapping discussion

Francois - Top wrapping is a subject almost as inflammatory as religion or politics!


I for one, am most definitely against it!!!

[ICTGoober]

Re: Top Wrapping discussion

I've never done it, and never seen the need.

[Wattage]

Re: Top Wrapping discussion

I top wrap on LP's

The way God and Les Paul Jr intended it to be

[ehdwuld]

Re: Top Wrapping discussion

On mine I use a TP6 tailpiece on most TOM bridges

I just raise the stop bar

As NE said above
It accomplishes the same effect

I too like the slinky feel of the strings
And it does make a difference

[Wattage]

Re: Top Wrapping discussion

Raising the tailpiece does similiar things and probably for the most part things would be on par. Top wrapping does give you some extra string length the raising does not. Also depending on the stability of the raised bar you could loose some sustain to vibration.

[GuitarStv]

Re: Top Wrapping discussion

I tried top wrapped my Epi Dot for four or five years . . . mostly because I saw someone in a guitar mag doing the same with his Les Paul. Eventually I stopped as there was no difference in tone, tuning stability or anything else, but it was starting to wear grooves in my tailpiece.

[Demanic]

Re: Top Wrapping discussion

A friend of mine has a BC Rich Warlock that comes standard with a top wrap bridge. It seems to work just fine. Kind of a pain to change the strings on, but not prohibitively so.

[Archer250]

Re: Top Wrapping discussion

I like it on guitars with a steep enough neck angle to top wrap

Otherwise, I'll just very slightly raise the tailpiece because a taut tailpiece with tight string break angles makes you stay in tune better IME

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[Demanic]

Re: Top Wrapping discussion

I don't have any guitars that have a stop tailpiece. All of mine are string through body.

[Wattage]

Re: Top Wrapping discussion

Don't top wrap stock Epi tailpieces, the metal is too soft and it will easily breakdown

[beaubrummels]

Re: Top Wrapping discussion

When I did it, the strings felt looser and bends and articulation were notably easier. I seem to recall it sacrificed a little bit of sustain, however.

[Dave Locher]

Re: Top Wrapping discussion

I can't do it on either of my TOM guitars because it raises the strings too high but for some reason I think it looks really cool and I would do it if I could.

[AlexR]

Re: Top Wrapping discussion

Its a way neater look for severe neck angled guitars to topwrap if you have issues with break angle. Having the studs backed way out on the threads just looks to me like the guitar was only half finished.
Of course there are plenty of feel benefits of a shallow break angle where there is 'reactive string length' behind a fulcrum. Improved tuning stability being another benefit.

Its one of those interesting subjects like relicing - where you get plenty of pointlessly agro opinions........universally by those who are incredibly insecure and feel the need to bolster the supposed validity of their view on the matter.


But its easy to try it out on a guitar or two......and figure out how you feel on the matter. Lets face it, that the only valid opinion.