string through body

[rays44]

Can anyone tell me the difference in tone between a guitar with a TOM bridge/stop tail and one with strings through the body (like a Tele). It's a tough question because it has to be the same (or very similar build ) of guitar.
I still (on occasion) play a hybrid Strat style guitar (w/humbuckers) that I had build in the '80's. It always had a tone and sustain quality that I really liked. Wondering how much the string through design impacts that. Thanks.

 

[Zentar]

String-thru guitars are less common for a reason.

 

[sonar]

String-thru guitars are less common for a reason.

What reason is that?

The design of the Telecaster is second to the design of the Stratocaster in all time units sold.

A Strat is basically a string-though hybrid.

 

[Zentar]

Sonar I own a Strat and a Tele. Neither are string through

 

[sonar]

Sonar I own a Strat and a Tele. Neither are string through

Yeah... I give up.

 

[tubejockey]

Yeah... I give up.

Well, I feel your pain. But let me take a stab at your question. I have guitars in both configurations, and it is definitely a little tough to compare because there are so many variables. In general terms, anything that slightly decouples the feedback loop from string to body and back will give more sharpness to the attack. Bolt-on necks and tailpieces fall into this category. Sustain is a very complex equation with many variables, so both options can have more or less sustain.

 

[musekatcher]

I have three teles. Just converted one from toploader to string thru. It is now deeper and darker, and vibrates more in your hands. Both top loaders were thinner more trebly. I prefer the string thru. Easier to control ice pick, and just feels better, maybe more responsive.