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Post by Deleted on Dec 2, 2014 20:23:54 GMT -7
I ordered a top-loader Telecaster bridge this afternoon. Curious about it. Much hoopla amongst the pals. Will slap it on one of the Ts when it shows up.
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Post by Christopher on Dec 2, 2014 20:40:05 GMT -7
I prefer the sustain of string thru on teles but top loaders have worked for lots of folks. A good comparison would be two G&L ASATs~a classic (string thru) & regular ASAT w top loading bridge. All LPs are "top loaders" technically, right? Eager to hear your opinion after a hands on test.
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Post by strat59 on Dec 3, 2014 6:13:33 GMT -7
I've started stringing my '60 tele toploader and it seems the strings are easier to bend than when I string it through the body.
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Post by Baconator on Dec 3, 2014 6:31:34 GMT -7
I'd never even heard about top loaders until seeing a few interviews with Jim Campilongo. Funny that he had people initially telling him his '59 tele was a "dog" because it was a top-loader. I doubt too many folks would say that about his tele now.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 3, 2014 6:32:26 GMT -7
Well I have 5 teles so I figured I'd experiment on one of 'em just to see what it's about. I have a couple of player pals who swear by the thing as does builder buddy Creston.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 3, 2014 7:43:12 GMT -7
Yup, I had one that could go both ways. Felt a lot slinkier/easier to bend when top-loaded. Didn't really notice much difference in tone/sustain either way.
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Post by Baconator on Dec 3, 2014 7:44:53 GMT -7
It's definitely a cheap mod. What bridge are you using? Looking forward to hearing your impressions.
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Post by BritInvasion on Dec 3, 2014 7:49:05 GMT -7
I had an original 1957 Telecaster that was a top-loader , factory original. Apparently Fender made 'em that way for a few months that year. Strings were easier to bend , and that guitar SANG! Don't know if it was the bridge or just that guitar , but I liked it.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 3, 2014 9:35:03 GMT -7
Ordered it from Callaham.
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Post by simpleton on Dec 3, 2014 10:06:48 GMT -7
I've wanted to do this as well. I was thinking about Jim Campilongo too when I thought top loader. Good clean fun.
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Post by JeffG on Dec 6, 2014 18:09:37 GMT -7
I've got a top load on my tele (the one in the pic) and it sounds great. Isn't as easy to load as a string-through because of the short distance between the string load and the bridge, but that's my only complaint. And it's not really a major complaint.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2014 18:12:27 GMT -7
I've been out of town. The gadget came from Callaham. Now I have to figure out which plank to put it on? I'm either gonna put it on my Esquired black guitar or the Stonetree Tele that I got signed by Albert Lee.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2014 18:54:39 GMT -7
That bridge is combo cut for top loader and Bigsby.
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Post by Baconator on Dec 15, 2014 20:25:36 GMT -7
Looks great - can't wait for the report.
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Post by rcrecelius on Dec 15, 2014 20:50:59 GMT -7
I know a guy who swears by toploading only the plain strings, he goes thru the body for the wound strings.
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Post by Christopher on Dec 16, 2014 5:04:47 GMT -7
That's gonna look great with the Bigsby added but are you gonna hear the top loaded style before you add the pitch shifter? I assume you got the option b/c you wanted to be able to use a Bigsby but I believe your initial inquest was on the timbre of top loaders. Anyhow, congrats on the new swag and I'm eager to see your pics and hear your report after you decide which fiddle to restyle.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 16, 2014 6:40:18 GMT -7
I'm not gonna put a Bigsby on. This is the way Callaham does his top loaders, as a combo "top load & bigsby"
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Post by Deleted on Dec 16, 2014 9:17:51 GMT -7
Its actually a really good idea - if you had a bigsby guitar with no rear ferrules, and decided to get un-warbly, you can bypass the bigsby with the toploader. Otherwise, you're getting the drill press out...
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Post by Dustin on Dec 16, 2014 11:07:00 GMT -7
I ordered a top-loader Telecaster bridge this afternoon. Curious about it. Much hoopla amongst the pals. Will slap it on one of the Ts when it shows up. Ah; the Fender equivalent of the 'wrap tail vs. stop tail' debate. I've had both; liked the traditional setup better. I liked the feel of a little more 'fight' to the bends, you know?
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Post by Deleted on Dec 19, 2014 7:45:47 GMT -7
Very easy instal going from standard Callaham bridge to the top loader. Feels a little slinky-er. This guitar was an easy bender to begin with. small vintage style stainless frets and 7.25 radius. Interesting. It'll take a while to really make a judgement. Wish I had a gig to play it on 'cause that would be telling for me.
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Post by digs57 on Dec 19, 2014 8:20:04 GMT -7
Man that's some steel plate there...tone improvement?
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Post by Deleted on Dec 19, 2014 9:02:28 GMT -7
Previous bridge was Callaham steel also so that's constant.
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Post by simpleton on Dec 19, 2014 10:28:45 GMT -7
It'd be cool to see the whole guitar...because the finish on that one looks to be interesting.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 19, 2014 11:03:47 GMT -7
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top-loader
Dec 19, 2014 11:28:34 GMT -7
via mobile
Post by nmz on Dec 19, 2014 11:28:34 GMT -7
Such a killer guitar!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 19, 2014 13:35:13 GMT -7
Stonetree painted by Todd Hanson in Wauseon, OH.
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Post by rcrecelius on Dec 19, 2014 15:18:32 GMT -7
I may have to try one of those...I have 1 guitar that I haven't played out in years because even though it is similar specs and same strings as all my others, it is way more difficult to bend the strings on...the reduced tension of a top loader just might do the trick
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Post by Deleted on Dec 19, 2014 16:14:19 GMT -7
It's pretty easy to see if you like it. There are less expensive options than the Callaham also.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 22, 2014 7:58:03 GMT -7
Nice hardware!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 22, 2014 12:17:11 GMT -7
Few days later: It's definitely a slinkier feel. I also didn't detect any lack of 'beef' in the sound. Sometimes I think the more we know about guitars the less we know about guitars!
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