I've been playing guitar for nearly 40 yrs now - but I've NEVER seen one strung like this.... :-? with the strings wrapped OVER the stop bar instead of through it. :o Have I just led a sheltered life, or does anyone else do this - & it's got to ruin the stop bar, hasn't it??!!
http://www.grumpyrocker.co.uk/buying-a-les-paul
Rich
I've never seen one in person, but yeah, I think that's kinda semi-common with stop tails, definitely seen pics on forums of guys doing that for years anyway - not sure what it helps though.
"Grumpyrocker" - LOVE it. ;D
I wrap on my Les Paul. It lets you get the stop bar tight against the body for allegedly more sustain / tone. Slightly reduces string tension too.
I think Jimmy Page started it...
Yeah, I've seen it before. It would reduce string tension by reducing the string angle over the bridge. Also as Tobe says, claims say that it increases down pressure on the stop bar increasing sustain. I actually believe that it doesn't increase down pressure much if at all ( the strings are still pulling mainly in the direction they are attached to at the other end). Thus, without trying it I wouldn't assume gains in anything. Not saying it doesn't make a difference though.
Mythology abounds...
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/gibson-les-pauls/25619-wrap-around-tailpiece-compared-string-through.html
My bet is that it makes no difference whatsoever !
I didn't notice any difference in sustain or tone. Bridge height and neck relief have more effect on the feel to me than the wrap.
I shimmed under the tailpiece to take out the wiggle and with the studs screwed down tight it is more stable - no slop anywhere in the tailpiece and it stays on while changing strings. I guess that's why I leave it.
My first Les Paul (a 1976 with the required Jimmy Page burst colors) had a wrap around tail piece. T'was the "correct" way to string it back then (note the quotes around the word "correct" ;) ).
or, his other guitar is a prs with a stoptail and he's just used to wrapping. maybe.
I never tried to string any of my Les Paul's thataway. I never had any trouble using the normal mode.
Thanks guys - never seen that before, but some folk clearly like it. Tx for the LP thread Charger - interesting no one there commented on the stop bar getting ruined by steel strings cutting into it! :-?