Bass guitar - string through or top load?

  • Thread starter Thread starter spantini
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spantini

spantini

COO of me, inc.
Looking at purchasing my first new Fender bass in many years, I only now take notice of the description of the bridge - top load or string through. My earlier Fenders were a P-Bass and an active Jazz Bass, both MIJ from the mid-80's, and I never paid any attention to how those were strung, other than string type.

I would prefer top load with the slightly reduced string tension (it appears as if these come string through from the factory). What is your preference?
 
I don't know that I've ever noticed a difference in string tension. I would think it would be minimal. My Peavey is string through. My friend's Guild bass is top load. His Carvin 5 string is through.

For me, the biggest issue was the strings. I found I like the "ground wound" strings better than rounds or flats... sound of a round, feeling of a flat.
 
All my basses are top load. Probably less hassle.
 
I had to really think - the truth is, my favourite bass - a mellow jazzy sounding Peavey 5 string is one or the other, and I really don't remember. Not something that I have ever thought about? As I have never broken a string ever does it matter. My 1975 semi style bass still has it's original strings - so that's done well, The Fender American Jazz has glow in the dark strings - the only guitar I have ever swappd strings on. The Peavy and three others are all on their originals.
 
Several descriptions I've read mentioned the differences in string tension and sustain were mostly noticeable when playing hard with a pick. I tend to do this, not by slamming the pick against the string, usually by laying it against the top of the string and giving it a strong pluck, which is also good for a tight, punchy effect when I immediately dampen by quickly repositioning the pick atop the string for the next note. Though I'm sure I'm not thinking about the bridge and string routing while in the throws of improvisation.
 
Scale length and string type will have an impact on tension but I've never noticed a difference with regard to top load vs through body.
 
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