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Advantages of top wrapping a Les Paul?

C

Canada Dry

New member
Joined
Apr 2, 2013
Messages
26
I've been doing it on my LP's for years.

My original thoughts way back when were that it gave a better feel to the strings ("slinkier" ?) but also bends seemed to be easier. Also, better sustain.

But I'm open to the fact that it might just be the placebo effect... :##
 
Pat Boyack

Pat Boyack

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Joined
Oct 19, 2011
Messages
4,510
fugazi said:
Can anyone explain what the advantages would be of top wrapping (over the tailpiece) on a Les Paul? I bought a beater Studio that I want to experiment on. Do I screw the tailpiece all the way into the body? How high do I adjust the bridge? How much will this affect bends or intonation?

Thanks for all opinions and advice.
Click to expand...

I top wrap to save my bridges because I use heavy gauge strings.

But how about taking a set of strings and just doing it yourself? You be the judge.
 
Doc Sausage

Doc Sausage

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Joined
Nov 21, 2006
Messages
1,708
I like it just because. And it makes me play just like, Billy, Duane and Joe B. (at least until I awake) :dude:
 
djangolad

djangolad

Member
Joined
Mar 23, 2010
Messages
583
On my R9 top wrapping is a tone killer especially affecting the unwound strings. It went from thick piano-like, full, warm and clear and a creative energy to thin, dead and very average sounding. A very uninspiring instrument that looked better than it sounded (something I can't stand owning). Attack and sustain loss are the initial effects, but as the strings age a little( couple of months of daily playing) intonation and keeping the guitar in tune become more pronounced across all strings. Next time I want to turn my R9 into a Chibson sounding piece of shit I'll remember to top wrap.
 
blewsbreaker

blewsbreaker

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Joined
Dec 29, 2003
Messages
1,118
djangolad said:
On my R9 top wrapping is a tone killer especially affecting the unwound strings. It went from thick piano-like, full, warm and clear and a creative energy to thin, dead and very average sounding. A very uninspiring instrument that looked better than it sounded (something I can't stand owning). Attack and sustain loss are the initial effects, but as the strings age a little( couple of months of daily playing) intonation and keeping the guitar in tune become more pronounced across all strings. Next time I want to turn my R9 into a Chibson sounding piece of shit I'll remember to top wrap.
Click to expand...

I think the problem is your R9er....
 
djangolad

djangolad

Member
Joined
Mar 23, 2010
Messages
583
No the problem is the way i restrung it. With respect , do you think I might purchase a dead guitar? As I said it sounds as you would expect from a 2013 9. Full and sweet, but it becomes pretty ordinary when top-wrapped.
Just go smoke on that fact for a while:##
 
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