Tail piece wrap around technique...

ArchEtech · 11-09-2007, 07:56 PM

This last time I strung her up, I decided to feed in the strings backwards into the tailpiece and wrap the strings around the bridge. Not only does it look cool, but it allows you to put the tail piece flatter. In addition the strings themselves sit much flatter after the bridge which really feels great to my dampening and wrist bracing. MUCH more comfy. Give it a whirl.

volusia1* · 11-09-2007, 08:09 PM

There was another thread on string gauge that I asked a question and didn't get an answer to yet. Does this have any effect on tone or sustain?

ArchEtech · 11-09-2007, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by volusia1*

There was another thread on string gauge that I asked a question and didn't get an answer to yet. Does this have any effect on tone or sustain?

I'm not sure how I could tell since I switched up to 11's from 10's at the same time I chaged the tailpiece stringing method. I'm sure it would be really hard to prove an effect on tone other than what your ears say, which would mean I'd wager that people will have differing opinions on the effects to tone and sustain.

coldsteal2 · 11-09-2007, 08:36 PM

looks werid, but could be good

LoKi · 11-09-2007, 08:57 PM

I can't see it really affecting sustain, but people think that if the tail peice is sunk down it will sustain better... if so its only marginal.

It gives a slinkier feel to bends and makes it easier for palm muting, thats for sure.

The actual fretted note doesn't continue past the bridge while playing, but guitars that have a string thru body design instead of a stop tail seem to sustain better, so maybe there is something to it.

I always string my LP's that way... always have... the old man showed me when I was a kid and it just stuck with me.

ArchEtech · 11-09-2007, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoKi

I can't see it really affecting sustain, but people think that if the tail peice is sunk down it will sustain better... if so its only marginal.

It gives a slinkier feel to bends and makes it easier for palm muting, thats for sure.

The actual fretted note doesn't continue past the bridge while playing, but guitars that have a string thru body design instead of a stop tail seem to sustain better, so maybe there is something to it.

I always string my LP's that way... always have... the old man showed me when I was a kid and it just stuck with me.

String through is my favorite, and I wish there were more gibsons that you could get with that type of tail configuration. I like it more for palm feel and the look.

volusia1* · 11-09-2007, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoKi

I can't see it really affecting sustain, but people think that if the tail peice is sunk down it will sustain better... if so its only marginal.

It gives a slinkier feel to bends and makes it easier for palm muting, thats for sure.

The actual fretted note doesn't continue past the bridge while playing, but guitars that have a string thru body design instead of a stop tail seem to sustain better, so maybe there is something to it.

I always string my LP's that way... always have... the old man showed me when I was a kid and it just stuck with me.

Thanks LoKi , I'll give it a try and see how she plays.

Satch0922 · 11-09-2007, 09:52 PM

the key is to get a Tone Tail. Not only is it "notched" so there is less of a tendency to break strings but they are made out of aluminum like the late 50's Les Paul tail pieces. I put one on my Wine Red Studio and it was a noticeable difference. Yes you can bolt the tail piece right to the body and the aluminum is know for it's affect on tone as well.

Tone Tail replacement guitar tail pieces

You can see the strings over the top of the tail piece in this picture

Satch0922 · 11-09-2007, 09:58 PM

btw...check out Billy Gibbon's 59.."Pearly Gates"

LoKi · 11-09-2007, 11:57 PM

and ZW's Customs...

volusia1* · 11-10-2007, 12:00 AM

ok, I'll have to give it a try. I have been playing one particular riff everyday for a while so I will restring and see if I hear or feel any difference.
Thanks,

LoKi · 11-10-2007, 12:04 AM

Here's my 2 favorite Les Pauls strung the same way.

Marley

Queen Anne's Revenge

Notice the nickel Fender Bullets in the Stop Tail on QAR (ebony Standard) sticking out of the stop tail.. haha

coldsteal2 · 11-10-2007, 04:41 AM

OK, damnit, ill have to try now..........sheesh

dwagar · 11-10-2007, 10:45 AM

I use the ball ends off of an old set of strings, run the string thru them first. This helps the break angle on the wrap. Sorry for the crappy picture, but this gives you the idea

Axeman16 · 11-10-2007, 02:15 PM

im not a fan of that technique.

BigC · 11-10-2007, 02:34 PM

Here's my favourite axe (mine!) strung that way too:

Looks good, is nice for resting the palm on and makes it easier to adjust the intonation too.

WildeStarr · 11-10-2007, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArchEtech

Not only does it look cool.....

dwagar · 11-11-2007, 10:56 AM

A couple things to keep in mind when considering topwrapping:
- the TP is adjustable for a reason, slammed right down can increase sustain but lose some of the overtones. Many guys look for a sweet spot for overtones, close to the same break angle as over the nut.
- if you have a low neck set angle the top wrap might not work - the strings will be crossing the TP too high.

Here's a pic of the wrap on my Custom. The topwrap gives me about the same sweet spot with the benefits of a slammed TP,

rockinlespaul · 11-11-2007, 01:40 PM

I've done this before with my Les Paul's. I've liked it on some, but not others...weird.
I do top wrap my replica though, and have the tail down too. I prefer it this way on this particular guitar.

It's much easier on the fingers also if you want to go up a gauge in strings.

Hackubus · 11-11-2007, 02:04 PM

I topwrap all my LPs except for my Customs. I like to use the ball ends clipped off of old strings & slide them on the new strings. Helps with the breakover angle like Dwagar said & prevents string pokage to your picking hand.

coldsteal2 · 11-12-2007, 01:47 AM

It makes grating cheese on them alot easier also

LoKi · 11-12-2007, 03:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coldsteal2

It makes grating cheese on them alot easier also

coldsteal2 · 11-12-2007, 06:42 AM

I was bored and came up with this.
(just for fun not making fun ;o)

LJGriggs · 11-12-2007, 01:42 PM

Once upon a time... I had an old '53 Goldtop with P-90's that only had the wrap-around type bridge/tail piece, but that's another story...

You guys got me curious as to the possible differences in tone/sustain/whatever by doing this on "newer" LP's, so last night I put on a new set of strings with the wrap-around. I didn't get a chance to really give it a test drive, but I will when I get home from work tonight. Stringing it up that way did bring back some bittersweet memories of the old days...

hird · 11-12-2007, 09:30 PM

I have always strung my pauls up that way. It allows you to place the tail piece on the body of the guitar, the way it should be. Here is a pic of my 94 classic strung up that way.

coldsteal2 · 11-13-2007, 10:32 AM

I have a few new sets of strings, ill have to get off my butt
and try it. The thing is i just put a new set on last week,
maybe ill wait a couple more weeks then give it a try.

Does Gibson sell any of thier guitars strung that way since
the 50's

11-09-2007, 07:56 PM	#1 (permalink)
ArchEtech V.I.P. Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Des Moines, IA Posts: 1,041 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Tail piece wrap around technique... This last time I strung her up, I decided to feed in the strings backwards into the tailpiece and wrap the strings around the bridge. Not only does it look cool, but it allows you to put the tail piece flatter. In addition the strings themselves sit much flatter after the bridge which really feels great to my dampening and wrist bracing. MUCH more comfy. Give it a whirl. __________________ 2007 Les Paul Custom 200x Fender Mary Kaye Relic V-Neck See thru Blond 2008 Fender Custom Classic V-Neck Daphne Blue 2003 MIM Strat Faded Green Metalic A couple of Alvarez Acoustics AMPS: VOX AD60VTX, Micro Cube

11-09-2007, 08:09 PM	#2 (permalink)
volusia1* Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Dayton, Ohio Posts: 680 Thanks: 6 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts	Re: Tail piece wrap around technique... There was another thread on string gauge that I asked a question and didn't get an answer to yet. Does this have any effect on tone or sustain? __________________ *" Less is More"* www.myspace.com/brianlucasproject http://www.soundclick.com/blucas

11-09-2007, 08:36 PM	#4 (permalink)
coldsteal2 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Chico, CA Posts: 8,568 Thanks: 21 Thanked 4 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Tail piece wrap around technique... looks werid, but could be good __________________ http://www.myspace.com/coldstealii YouTubage Videos

11-09-2007, 08:57 PM	#5 (permalink)
LoKi V.I.P. Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Calgary, Alberta Posts: 4,268 Thanks: 18 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Tail piece wrap around technique... I can't see it really affecting sustain, but people think that if the tail peice is sunk down it will sustain better... if so its only marginal. It gives a slinkier feel to bends and makes it easier for palm muting, thats for sure. The actual fretted note doesn't continue past the bridge while playing, but guitars that have a string thru body design instead of a stop tail seem to sustain better, so maybe there is something to it. I always string my LP's that way... always have... the old man showed me when I was a kid and it just stuck with me.

11-09-2007, 09:52 PM	#8 (permalink)
Satch0922 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 285 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Tail piece wrap around technique... the key is to get a Tone Tail. Not only is it "notched" so there is less of a tendency to break strings but they are made out of aluminum like the late 50's Les Paul tail pieces. I put one on my Wine Red Studio and it was a noticeable difference. Yes you can bolt the tail piece right to the body and the aluminum is know for it's affect on tone as well. Tone Tail replacement guitar tail pieces You can see the strings over the top of the tail piece in this picture __________________ 1984 Les Paul Studio - Classic White w/factory Kahler 1991 Explorer - Classic White/Gold TP-6 1993 Les Paul Studio - Wine Red/Gold 1996 Les Paul Studio - Alpine White/Gold 2002 Les Paul Classic - Cherryburst/ Classic 57's 2007 SG Standard - Cherry Marshall JCM2000 DSL100 Marshall 1960 Lead 4x12 Crate V18 1x12 Tube Combo

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11-09-2007, 09:58 PM	#9 (permalink)
Satch0922 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 285 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Tail piece wrap around technique... btw...check out Billy Gibbon's 59.."Pearly Gates" __________________ 1984 Les Paul Studio - Classic White w/factory Kahler 1991 Explorer - Classic White/Gold TP-6 1993 Les Paul Studio - Wine Red/Gold 1996 Les Paul Studio - Alpine White/Gold 2002 Les Paul Classic - Cherryburst/ Classic 57's 2007 SG Standard - Cherry Marshall JCM2000 DSL100 Marshall 1960 Lead 4x12 Crate V18 1x12 Tube Combo

11-09-2007, 11:57 PM	#10 (permalink)
LoKi V.I.P. Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Calgary, Alberta Posts: 4,268 Thanks: 18 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Tail piece wrap around technique... and ZW's Customs...

11-10-2007, 12:00 AM	#11 (permalink)
volusia1* Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Dayton, Ohio Posts: 680 Thanks: 6 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts	Re: Tail piece wrap around technique... ok, I'll have to give it a try. I have been playing one particular riff everyday for a while so I will restring and see if I hear or feel any difference. Thanks, __________________ *" Less is More"* www.myspace.com/brianlucasproject http://www.soundclick.com/blucas

11-10-2007, 12:04 AM	#12 (permalink)
LoKi V.I.P. Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Calgary, Alberta Posts: 4,268 Thanks: 18 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Tail piece wrap around technique... Here's my 2 favorite Les Pauls strung the same way. Marley Queen Anne's Revenge Notice the nickel Fender Bullets in the Stop Tail on QAR (ebony Standard) sticking out of the stop tail.. haha

11-10-2007, 04:41 AM	#13 (permalink)
coldsteal2 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Chico, CA Posts: 8,568 Thanks: 21 Thanked 4 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Tail piece wrap around technique... OK, damnit, ill have to try now..........sheesh __________________ http://www.myspace.com/coldstealii YouTubage Videos

11-10-2007, 10:45 AM	#14 (permalink)
dwagar V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Calgary, Canada Posts: 2,588 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Tail piece wrap around technique... I use the ball ends off of an old set of strings, run the string thru them first. This helps the break angle on the wrap. Sorry for the crappy picture, but this gives you the idea

11-10-2007, 02:15 PM	#15 (permalink)
Axeman16 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 1,996 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Tail piece wrap around technique... im not a fan of that technique.

11-10-2007, 02:34 PM	#16 (permalink)
BigC Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: North UK Posts: 167 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Tail piece wrap around technique... Here's my favourite axe (mine!) strung that way too: Looks good, is nice for resting the palm on and makes it easier to adjust the intonation too.

11-11-2007, 10:56 AM	#18 (permalink)
dwagar V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Calgary, Canada Posts: 2,588 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Tail piece wrap around technique... A couple things to keep in mind when considering topwrapping: - the TP is adjustable for a reason, slammed right down can increase sustain but lose some of the overtones. Many guys look for a sweet spot for overtones, close to the same break angle as over the nut. - if you have a low neck set angle the top wrap might not work - the strings will be crossing the TP too high. Here's a pic of the wrap on my Custom. The topwrap gives me about the same sweet spot with the benefits of a slammed TP,

11-11-2007, 01:40 PM	#19 (permalink)
rockinlespaul Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 486 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Tail piece wrap around technique... I've done this before with my Les Paul's. I've liked it on some, but not others...weird. I do top wrap my replica though, and have the tail down too. I prefer it this way on this particular guitar. It's much easier on the fingers also if you want to go up a gauge in strings.

11-11-2007, 02:04 PM	#20 (permalink)
Hackubus Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 271 Thanks: 1 Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post	Re: Tail piece wrap around technique... I topwrap all my LPs except for my Customs. I like to use the ball ends clipped off of old strings & slide them on the new strings. Helps with the breakover angle like Dwagar said & prevents string pokage to your picking hand.

11-12-2007, 01:47 AM	#21 (permalink)
coldsteal2 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Chico, CA Posts: 8,568 Thanks: 21 Thanked 4 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Tail piece wrap around technique... It makes grating cheese on them alot easier also __________________ http://www.myspace.com/coldstealii YouTubage Videos

11-12-2007, 06:42 AM	#23 (permalink)
coldsteal2 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Chico, CA Posts: 8,568 Thanks: 21 Thanked 4 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Tail piece wrap around technique... I was bored and came up with this. (just for fun not making fun ;o) __________________ http://www.myspace.com/coldstealii YouTubage Videos

11-12-2007, 01:42 PM	#24 (permalink)
LJGriggs Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Canton, GA Posts: 381 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Tail piece wrap around technique... Once upon a time... I had an old '53 Goldtop with P-90's that only had the wrap-around type bridge/tail piece, but that's another story... You guys got me curious as to the possible differences in tone/sustain/whatever by doing this on "newer" LP's, so last night I put on a new set of strings with the wrap-around. I didn't get a chance to really give it a test drive, but I will when I get home from work tonight. Stringing it up that way did bring back some bittersweet memories of the old days... __________________ Larry J Griggs http://www.myspace.com/larryjgriggs 2005 Gibson Les Paul Studio Light Burst 2005 Gibson Les Paul 30th Anniversary Deluxe Goldtop w P90's Raised in Macon, GA Playing that "Southern Rock" stuff for 35 yrs

11-13-2007, 10:32 AM	#26 (permalink)
coldsteal2 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Chico, CA Posts: 8,568 Thanks: 21 Thanked 4 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Tail piece wrap around technique... I have a few new sets of strings, ill have to get off my butt and try it. The thing is i just put a new set on last week, maybe ill wait a couple more weeks then give it a try. Does Gibson sell any of thier guitars strung that way since the 50's __________________ http://www.myspace.com/coldstealii YouTubage Videos