Why I Only Play Top-Load Telecasters | TONE LAB

[@robertmitchell2178]

Tuning, tone, bend feel, attack. You made all the right points.

[@riccibungag4257]

Both sound good. Its more of a "feel and preference" thing.

[@tlstechtalk]

Jim Campilongo says one advantage is the back of a top loader makes a great writing desk without the string through holes!😅

[@MrSouzy]

loved the playing at the beginning. I just started playing and I am working hard on sounding better. I bought a cheap tele with a toploader. I considered drilling the body to convert it... but now after hearing this I won't. Instead I'll just use the time saved to practice a bit more :)

[@MercurialToys]

I just put a top loading bridge with 3 brass saddles on my Tele tonight. It originally had a modern 6 saddle. I must say it transformed the guitar, it definitely has a slinkier feel now, which appeals to me much better. I almost sold this guitar, but not now.

[@josecubanosantiago4724]

Same on mine

[@GuitarOverdrive]

Perfect timing on this video - I happen to be researching toploaders for a thinline build. I had no idea the difference was that big on the tone. I looooove the slightly beefier and strat-like tone. I own several teles but no toploaders yet, and now I am even more excited for this one! Thanks. :)

[@totallyunmemorable]

I've played guitar for 50 years this Christmas (2022), I've won my share of guitar competitions, and I've built guitars for nearly as long as I've played. I only just recently got my first Tele, an astonishingly good copy, that has no string-through option. I was unsure about the top loading thing at first, but I've come to like it a lot. And from a purely theoretical/technical POV, you're spot on with all your observations. Too much angle is sometimes problematical, (intonation issues - to mention one you didn't) just as too little can cause a loss of sustain. But much of this is theoretical. It was good to actually hear the proof of the pudding. There is a difference. The top loader speaks more crisply and articulately. It's like the difference between a piano (string through) and a harpsicord (top loader). They both have their place. It's a matter of personal preference. Top loader works well for me.

[@peterhopqk]

My first Fender Telecaster is a 1992 MIM with a toploader bridge and I wasnt even aware of when I got one. And it is my favorite guitar still to this day. :)

[@30smsuperstrat]

After heat gunning the plastic off the body, I'm about to nitro and vintage top loader bridge one of those. I'm sacrilegious so I've beveled the tummy cut and forearm area. Great guitars .

[@yourefromdownsouth9728]

Great video -- I whole heartedly agree with *almost* everything Jay says here. Lots of real info and no mythology or nonsense when it comes to the differences between top-loaders vs. string-though. The only point I disagree with is...I absolutely prefer everything about the string-throughs. I like the sound, I like the feel -- it's what I want a tele to be! But music is absolutely about finding your thing and making it work for you, so if a top-loaded tele (or a hard-tail strat, for that matter) is your thing, go for it!

[@YTOnceAgain]

All the "advantages" you mentioned are reasons I love string-thru Teles - except for breaking strings and tuning instability, which I cannot confirm myself. As I basically watched this video to see if I'd get happy with a top-loader, this was very informative. Thanks.

[@kirkduval1279]

G&L ASAT with top loading bridge. I love it.

[@VolodyaVolodenka1981]

same here! because it's massive and thus retains the depth and dynamics that you lose with a standard tele bridge top-loaded, AND the slinky feel is still there. G&L have made great add-on inventions for the classic Fender line.

[@MrBluesilverred]

I like string through. There is enough difference in volume and tone for me. But I think since we all play different, having the option is a fantastic idea!

[@theoverunderthinker]

if you have to listen to the A/B to tell the difference, then just do the one you prefer. once you add some pedals on it, reverb, and an amp, there are plenty of things that will move your tone around more.

[@enriquemendez1507]

That's true but your starting tone still affects your final tone. And that's saying nothing of the feel. Top load has less tension

[@theoverunderthinker]

@@enriquemendez1507 sure. I am thinking of a friend who changed guitars, amps, etc and he liked it for a while but over time he kept sounding like his original tone. We talked about it one time and turns out that when he was in the store he woudl run the amp on all 5's and it sounded different, but then he woudl come home and adjust it until it "sounded right" and ended up with the same sound. your hands, strings, picks, and amp setting choices matter a lot. that's what I am saying. if you prefer the feel of one over the other, then go with that one and you can probably still get to a tone you like.

[@MookieMaroni]

Manoman, I rarely hear differences in AB comparisons, yet still watch these videos. Your great playing made this one totally worth it! I use top load since it made the kit build easier, not disappointed in the least. Thanks

[@Sophiedorian0535]

Fascinating video Jay! Thanks! I made my transition to the Tele, not from the steel-string acoustic, but from the nylon-string classical. That is why I prefer top loading Teles over through-body loading Teles. It's a no-brainer really. Both sound and feel of the toploader are closest to sound and feel of the classical. Later I started replacing my top-loading Tele bridges with top-loading one-part post-based bridges. They look a bit like Gibson LP Junior wraparounds, except you don''t 'wrap' your strings, but 'thread' them from the top, instead. I wanted a lot more 'Hint of Classical', and I got it that way! They are the 'Dorian' bridges. There's a few low picture quality lab demos of them I keep on my YT channel. You can have a look and a listen if you want. You mentioned string break angle at the witness point. You're right: the angle is fairly sharp when you load your strings Through Body, and is rather shallow, when you load your strings from the top. But that's not the only physical difference in play, since there's also the Tail Portion to consider: the length of the string between attachment point and witness point. The Tail Portion' is a lot shorter when you top-load, than when you through-body-load. The shorter Tail Portion shares the responsibility for the 'slinky-bouncy feel' equally with the more shallow break angle at the witness point. If you want to avoid the one string feeling a lot slinkier than the string next to it, try 'Equalised Tension' strings, or 'Balanced Tension' strings. In my set, each of the six strings pulls seven kilos. They sound equally bouncy, but feel less slinky. Not because the strings are less elastic, but because the Big E, the D, and the B no longer feel like a sudden drop in tension, coming from the strings adjacent to them.

[@GuitarsPedalsAndThings]

I've top loaded my tele now and I love it! Slinkier, softened the highs, feels more like a.... Gibson! Thanks a lot! I ain't going back now...!

[@markussther5326]

About the saddleheigt: Increasingthe neck angle with some shims will allow you to raise the saddles, and the action will still be the same. A lot of people do this on jazzmasters.

[@JayLeonardJ]

Great suggestion. Thanks for writing!

[@tomjorghen]

Where do you place the shims?

[@markussther5326]

@@tomjorghen Under the neck, in the neck pocket. Just google tele Neck shim, or strat or what ever! Any bolt-on neck can be shimmed.

[@twenty3electronics]

A lot of Fenders have micro tilt neck adjustments, so you don’t even need a shim. Strangely, I’ve noticed this feature disappearing from high end Fenders though

[@Peaceful_Days]

I actually prefer lower saddles which means pickups deep in the pickguard and shielding is more effective. It makes the pickups almost noiseless. If the pickups stick out a lot it means they are not shielded well.

[@hansvaneekelen2632]

I'm lucky to have a bridge that allows top loading (Trevor Wilkinson) and I'm definitely going to give it a try. Thanks for the video and keep up the good work!

[@12babyapes59]

My cheapo Grote Telecaster has a bridge with that option also.

[@keithb5612]

Hi Hans. Did you top load the strings with your Wilkinson bridge? Did you find any differences? I am in the same position with a Wilkinson bridge at the moment. Thanks in advance.

[@10sassafras]

Great video; really clear. String through sounds classic tele. Top load has a hint of strat, as you say.

[@barbmelle3136]

From Leo: There are a lot of people that think the Les Paul guitars are the best in every category, and they are top loading. I have top load only Tele's, string through only, and a couple that can string either way. They all play fine, I like the top load setup.

[@LanceJordan]

LP top load is different in that you can adjust the break angle with Tunomatic bridge. So in that you can change the sound and feel

[@JohnnyBGoode9]

​@LanceJordan you can change the break angle on a top load tele as well, it's just less convenient. Shim the neck (bridge side of pocket) and raise the saddle height screws to increase break angle. Reduce the shim or reverse shim (headstock side of pocket) and drop the saddles to reduce break angle. A lot of people don't understand how easy it is to use shims to adjust optimal bridge height and break angle on Fenders. I'm very used to it because of being a longtime Jazzmaster player.

[@druwk]

What would it be like to load the low E, A and high E, through the body, and the D, G, and B Top loaded? Tighter snappier feel on the low notes, and high E, with a looser, rounder, and easier to bend feel in the middle. Would be cool to experiment with this Tele since you can do both? In general, I prefer the string through. Get the roundness and compression from the amp.

[@CosmicHippopotamus]

That’s how I set up my jazz bass. E and A through body, D and G top loaded. Can’t say much for the tone difference, but the tension feels better to me.

[@davidwoods358]

Interesting thought!

[@JayLeonardJ]

Haha, we have a LOT in common!! I did that with a Bass I had as well 🤘🤘🤘

[@CentaurusRelax314]

_That's just crazy enough to work!_ You're really quite mad, you know....

[@MrBluesilverred]

I like your thinking……

[@tonybowen455]

String through sounded better to me in all the A/B comparisons, but there's no way I could tell without a direct A/B comparison. I love string through and sharp attack angle, but I also play way softer so it works out.

[@richsackett3423]

What you've said is entirely contradictory yet still got 12 likes. People are weird.

[@tonybowen455]

@@richsackett3423 I can tell the diff when A/B'ed, but doubt I could tell if they weren't being compared. If I played harder instead of softer, then the sharp attack angle might be too much. Sometimes I think a soft player with a trebly guitar ends up being a great combo.

[@richsackett3423]

@@tonybowen455 I see what you're saying. Still a bizarre standard, though. Instruments matter to the musician, not the audience. As a player, I don't care if my audience can tell one guitar from another. It's not their job.

[@danleyrold45]

Not contradictory at all. Tighter string tension played with a lighter touch is how many play their Tele’s including me. I like my strings to fight back a bit and give me some resistance. It does allow a crisper attack. I don’t care for too bendy, floppy strings. I don’t see how anyone can play hard on extra light strings. Too easy to bend sharp when playing chords.

[@zatoichi1973]

Great video sir, I'm looking to buy one of these and didn't know the difference between the two loading methods which you have eloquently explained. Thank you from the UK

[@JayLeonardJ]

Glad to help

[@mboyer68]

The day i can play so hard that i can break strings due to the break angle of a bottom loader... I'll be super happy! JLJ is the best guitarist on Earth!

[@stuartwilliamjohnson7549]

Excellent vid dude.. you totaly answered my question and very happy as I have the top load type. Thanks so much you do a top notch job - keep up the good work!!

[@MrTimdriver]

Both variants have their own qualities. Beautiful playing dude.

[@JayLeonardJ]

Thanks!

[@12Jakeyboy]

There must also be something in the fact that when top-loaded, the strings are mounted directly onto the metal plate that the saddles and the bridge pickup are screwed on to? As in all the vibrations from the strings get transferred through not just the saddles but also the mounting holes and it must all feed through the tray and into the pickup to give you a slightly different sound, even if just a tiny bit? Just a theory, I'm probably talking rubbish XD

[@BeefNEggs057]

Probably But muh tone wood gets vibrated moar ~ tonewood bro

[@asharpbflat7179]

I'm a bit late to the conversation but I just bought a g&l espada (the one with the split P-bass style pickups) and it's a top loaded guitar. It sustains forever, no string through needed. Those g&l bridges really do the magic ✨ best guitar I've ever had 😍

[@justinkline1294]

Thanks for a great and valuable demonstration and explanation. I don't make it through most explanatory tubes because they tend to waste a lot of time. But this was on point from beginning to end. I feel like I really learned important relevant new information. So that is a good sign. I think.

[@peachmelba1000]

As someone who builds guitars, toploaders are easier to deal with from a construction standpoint, but as a player I think they sound and feel flabby.

[@timhallas4275]

String through tele bridge has stronger mids, less twangy highs and better sustain.

[@ald7248]

@@timhallas4275 Agreed. They lack the top-end bite of the string-through designs. More of a "piano-like" tone, if that makes sense.

[@sholland42]

@@ald7248 , I think it’s insane to top load a tele. The design was perfect from the start, why change it.

[@maku_gt]

Do you need to setup again the intonation when you change from top loader to string through? Vice versa? Hope anyone answer. Just curious 🤨

[@peachmelba1000]

@@maku_gt Probably yes. It wouldn't hurt to check at the very least, after the mod.

[@aleksandrnestrato]

3:18 My hat! That’s about the same as the wraparound thing with tune-o-matic stop bars, mainly with Gibsons. People also say that having smaller break angle over the TOM when wrapped around gives a feeling of easier to bend strings.

[@xdoctorblindx]

Don't forget about Jeff Buckley! Always played a toploaded tele.

[@simonblanjean6538]

Yeah but the tele wasn't his and he really hated it iirc

[@bucklberryreturns]

@@simonblanjean6538 He did change out the electronics, but considering he had at least one other (Squier) Tele, plus an LP and a Ricky, for it to be his number one guitar hardly points to him hating it.

[@simonblanjean6538]

@@bucklberryreturns yup, my bad, you're 100% in the right ! At least I learned a little something.

[@bucklberryreturns]

@@simonblanjean6538 it's all good Simon, not one of us is infallible. 👍🏻

[@davidwoods358]

I'll take a top loader any day over the string through. It's not my imagination, I can bend a lot easier on a top loader ... (backed up by this video.) I have been waiting for someone to address this. It's good it know ....I'm only half crazy!

[@howlin6521]

I agree. IMHO Top-load Teles & hardtail Strats are the shizzle.

[@KenTeel]

The top loader sounds thinner. However, that can be somewhat compensated with EQ and right hand, picking, technique. Top loaders are just simpler. That's appealing in itself. Plus, if you break a string, on a gig, do you really want to be trying to fish a string through a hole in the back of the guitar? Top loaders simplify changing a string in a hurry. Thanks for taking the time and energy to produce this video. It's a good one.

[@polocash11]

I am building my tele with a top load option. I was doing it for easiness. Glad to see a better reason.

[@JayLeonardJ]

Good luck on the project!

[@empireentertainmentevents1353]

String Through sounded way better for me. More snappy and powerful too.

[@S0UNDC1TY]

Way better lmao

[@iagobroxado]

It's one of those cases when you should try it only if you have a too bright guitar, maybe.

[@hangingchad_]

Better is one thing, "way better" is in your head.

[@gabrielvelloso9834]

Finally someone that understands me

[@arrrrblacktoe]

I just did an A/B comparison yesterday, and picked the strings through bridge. I liked the sound better, and didn't know why. Now I do, thanks to your video.

[@frakognome4434]

I've got both. That wider break angle made me mount a set of threaded 60's saddles to avoid unwanted rattles. Period. Better string-thru IMHO.

[@30smsuperstrat]

Isn't it funny how some things people think are great,(string through, look at all those schecter 1990s/2000s string through tuneomatics). Follow history and compression becomes very popular in country, when amps get powerful and clean,(twin). Originally the lower powered amps were compressing on their own. Fender introduced the top loader as amps got cleaner, but someone else came up with a pedal and there it went.😄

[@REX-ks1os]

i built a fender Tele parts caster using a mix of mexican and american parts. The bridge is a top loader, i figured lets give it a try and to my surprise the guitar sounds very good & plays great. xcellent tuning stability, it is hard to explain but it just makes playing it much more comfortable at least that's how i feel. cheers..

[@rockindavebyron3960]

I also break a LOT of strings due to the same issue as you Jay, I gig a LOT down here in SWFL, so this info is VERY informative, thanks!!! I've never been much of a Tele guy until I bought a cheap Squier bullet, & I just fell in love with the feel & tone, especially using the pickup switch in the middle, love that funky tone!!! I just subbed to your channel, you ROCK BROTHER!!! Be safe, Rock On & God Bless!!!

[@2dazetake]

I love the way my top loader plays,I do have a string thru Tele too,and the strings feel way too tight, slinky strings are not only easy to bends,but it's easier to grab chords too,what you give up is a little more sustain and a slight bit of punch,there was a noticeable difference, top load sounded a little brighter but subdued,kind of like screwing a pickup all the way down,I can live with the slight drop in tone,for that wonderful playability.

[@3cardmonty602]

I bought a Squier Mustang HH about 1.5 years ago w/a top loading bridge, and I agree - the sound is softer & the strings slinkier - especially since the Mustang is 24” scale. I swapped out the pups to Alnico II lower output HB’ers. Real fun guitar now.

[@ryanbirabent-genone9219]

Fascinating video. I agree about the sound differences. Personally, I prefer the string-through sound. Great to have the option on models like the American Pro II.

[@billnu]

I never dreamed there would be an advantage to the top load. Makes sense now that you explain it.

[@rondelio8562]

I fully get what you're saying, but some may argue that the sharper angle into the body truly insures a sure connection of the string to the bridge and, of course, the string thru adds to more sustain.But either way, Teles have a solid, proven reputation. I know, I have a '77 Fender Tele bass, and the string thru set up gives me hours of sustain! :-) Thanks for the video and some good input!!

[@NickFabi]

Always preferred top loaders ever since I had an old old 80s Japanese squire. It was just so naturally resonate

[@alexhuevera939]

comical post

[@demokraatti]

Many Tele saddles are really gentle to the strings with big radius round contact surface. There are no knife edges. I think that you could wrap the strings few times around the saddles without string breakage problems.

[@lawrencedevere2242]

I think it's more the break angle not that it's sharp, as I can say I have snapped a lot of strings on my tele too and I am thinking of top loading to reduce string breaking.

[@johndoe-ep7qk]

yep. nailed it. on every point. I have a '59 top loader and a '68 thin line (through body), and have played a lot of them; particularly, the '59 is easier to bend and the attack is sweeter. not a huge difference but noticeable if you know Tele's...

[@zorbcanoo8574]

Slightly prefer the string through body sound. It has plenty of twang but also more clarity and warmth, at least to my ear. I have a G&L tele with MFD p90s that is top load only but I feel the extra tonal brightness kinda evens out the darkness of p90 style pickups. They all sound great though, nice playing!

[@TheBedroomRocker1]

Nice video and very well explained! It made me want to try top-loading my Tele! However, I actually preferred the string-through-body sounds in the little comparison at the end. I think the extra punch and transient attack gave it a bit more clarity and balls.

[@iansnyder274]

I like the top loader. To me, its sounds more lively and doinky which i love. the string through sounds more dense and solid and not as lively...to me at least. But , i bet it depends on a number of factors on the particular guitar

[@keithrandall9076]

To me it sounds like the top load sings and the string through barks. I definitely prefer the top load sound.

[@davidsharp3675]

Same reason i love my 1981 Ibanez Blazer. Top loaded brass bridge.

[@cybrunel1016]

I think top loaded works well if you do pedal steel type bends all over the place, saves the finger tips. But if you play very aggressive it may feel a little " rubber band " like to some. Both sound great though.

[@56davidwright]

What l do is thread the string through its own ball end, making a loop that l hook directly onto the brass barrel. This is the shortest possible string length and makes bending up to four and a half tones a breeze.

[@theAxehound]

I've never noticed any sound differences, but the less string behind the bridge and nut means the easier it is to play and bend.

[@RaxFx]

suddenly guitar stores wonder where the craze for aftermarket top load bridges comes from

[@aaronkirkland212]

Way to team up with Rufus Guitar Shop. Smart move sir.

[@simonwarner3601]

Rufus Guitar Shop rules!

[@johnlogan9417]

Top load for my Tele Deluxe. My favorite guitar tone. More of a rocker between the top load and the buckers. Sold my LP after doing so. Way lighter and more comfortable to play. And I don't have to handle it like a museum piece. And it stays in tune better. And............

[@non_brewed_condiment]

I love the feel of a top-loaded tele but in my experience two things make it an "only at home" kind of set up. 1.) doesn't seem to hold tuning nearly as well 2.) big bends always slip out. even with In-tune (slotted) saddles I always lose push the string out of the slot. Both my tele's have 11-52's so on paper top-loadings would be great, but I've just never been able to depend on it enough to use it live.

[@hearpalhere]

Nice playing as always Jay! I really liked the demo at the end, it was cool to hear the differences. I think I preferred the sound of the string through body but it's really subtle. I'm sure you could make much larger differences by changing amp or pedal settings so it makes sense to just string it how you prefer for feel. It's nice that this guitar offers both options.

[@seanrosedotcom]

Strange, you should comment on Joe Bonamassa frequently says that through the body Teles and hard tail Strats always have the best tone. His last video on Norm's Rare Guitars was just that- buying a '54 hardtail.

[@JayLeonardJ]

That's what I love about art! People can have different views on a subject and still be completely right 🤘

[@blacktoothfox677]

You know that Joe Bonamassa IS NOT the be-all and end-all of tone, right!? Man... I was shaking my head the other day looking at a famous player's set-up... No E or B string! And of course, Keith Richards used only 5, so who the hell am I to judge. Meaning: Who the hell is anyone to judge another player on how they do things. Slavishly following the course of those that go before us is the shortest route to being very very boring. Saying that, I prefer string-thru-body... But loved this video for it's sound reasoning

[@sixbladeknife44]

There’s another video of him on there playing a ‘59 toploader and states that he would defy anyone to tell a difference in regard to tone…so there you have it.

[@FellDestroyedMusic]

That guitar finish is BEAUTIFUL

[@jemenfiche]

The difference you feel isn't the break angle, it's the length of the string under tension. The strings under tension on a through-body tele are ~1.5" longer than on a top-loader.

[@JayLeonardJ]

Sounds like a fun Tone Lab science experiment episode doesn't it ;)

[@stevebees3992]

This video has come at a good time for me! I've set my Tele up both string-through and top-load in the past. I currently have it set string-though at the moment, but have snapped strings on 2 occasions recently, which I haven't done for some time. I'm contemplating going back to top-load on the next string change.

[@maxpeck4154]

I feel ya. String-through allows the strings to contact the inside of the holes in the bridge plate. Never broken as many strings as I have on a string-through Tele. Jazzmaster with vintage bridge? Never. SG with an ABR-1? Nope. Bought a Callaham bridge for my Tele that's machined for Bigsby (which I ended up trying and not liking. The Mastery Jazzmaster vibrato has spoiled me. A Bigsby is clunky and stiff by comparison and doesn't even come close. Period) and has compensated brass saddles but it also has holes for top loading. The only thing the string contacts is the saddle. I won't go back to string-through

[@Brykk]

I just picked up a top loader. Still kinda feeling it out, but id say im liking it so far.

[@JayLeonardJ]

Awesome! Curious to see what you stick with :)

[@davemack6384]

I bought a mascis top loader. it's fantastic. top loaders rule.

[@elevenAD]

string life on a top loader is just insane and the tone is great imo, i love both!

[@ranman58635]

To answer the question. I've had both. Each guitar was different. I file the angle on the bridge and many other people do too.

[@jimcamp2423]

With a situation where the saddles are decked to the bridge plate, one can always flat shim up the neck pocket and get that lower/lowest action with the bolt on necks. I had to do that with a Squier Bullet SSS HT Stratocaster top loader and the break angle was at maximum hold down tension because the saddle feet post screws were at the top of the saddles after shimming the neck pocket. That's another advantage to full neck pocket shimming, is that you eliminate the sharp edges of those screws when they are sticking up thru the top of the saddles when the saddles are lowered for lower/lowest action height. Basically you're raising the fretboard & maintaining the neck pocket and heel neck angle. Some guitars while they look the same for brand & model, the wood was not lathed identically & the polyurethane finish are of varying thicknesses. One guitar is not identical to another. Especially true with lower priced & mass produced guitars that any of them have a wider range of tolerances for manufacture & QC checks. they aren't crappy guitars, just that the tolerances are less strict and that passed QC easier than the better made instruments. With optimal string break angle with a top loader, the tuning stability is better for it. Another thing, when one raises & lowers the saddles (screw adjustments), heel of the neck (shimming), make sure to check the pickups for height, because the string height not only changes in relation to the fret board from last fret to the nut, but the strings may be closer or further away from the pickup poles. What one moves the string height also has to be adjustable for pickup heights.

[@gerardblanchard7767]

Cool video Jay, as usual, and very informative. I have a Japanese squier tele from the eatly 90's which is a top load bridge model also. And I love it! And now, I know more why I love it. Thanks.

[@stratorarious]

You have a great point there JLJ...I owned a top load and people commented on the great tones it got. I had never had a string through so I didn't know the difference then until you pointed this out.

[@peterosipov400]

Thank you! I always prefered the feel of the top-load but never compared the tone directly. Interesting that there is a difference. But I think I prefer top-load tone too, because it feels that it will take less EQing for the mix, because top-load sounds a bit "less" and therefore clearer in a good way, more mix ready in my opinion.

[@simonsmith2642]

Longer the string the more the string tension at pitch. String thru adds string length. Top load shortens string length. Thats why it feel slinky. Thats why we all love a LP junior with wrap bridge. Top load is kind of like that, but 25.5 scale length you get more tension. So top load is for me since I am used to Gretsch and Gibson. Good subject dude!

[@GuyNarnarian]

Made decent arguments. I think my bridge has the option. I can see how it would be slinkier. Feel like you could get some string slippage at the saddle though depending on what you have and what tuning you use, etc. I drop my Tele or open tune a lot just because hardtails are always easier for that.

[@maxroyle6750]

Jesse Edwin Davis used his hand painted 1958 Telecaster top loader . I'm old, met him in 1969 when I was young, and he invited me to check the guitar out. A wonderful soul of a man.

[@JayLeonardJ]

Jesse Ed Davis is a master. I've always dug his sound :)

[@connshawnery6489]

Damn.. Well I’m torn, because I go for the sound first and suffer the set up if necessary. The string through sounds better in this video with your comparison.

[@rjohnson1690]

I’m glad I’m not the only one that noticed.

[@KyLesCaster]

Yeah theres no doubt with that sound comparison. String through just sounded bigger and more resonant to my ears. More sharper attack and twang, however. So that may be good or bad depending on your style.

[@malsmith475]

Awesome video Jay, I just landed in the Philippines a couple of months ago and couldn’t handle not having a Tele to play for 3 months so I bought a locally made Tele top loader, it sounds and plays great , imho I reckon it plays just as good as the other thru body teles I have in Australia., thanks again.

[@JayLeonardJ]

Rock on!

[@BrianBrazilHarmonica]

Hello Jay, I think the top loader has more low end and gives you a thicker tone. The string thought the body has a brighter attack. They both sound good. I was going to buy a telecaster and trying to decide on which type to get. I like the sound of both so the deciding factor is going to be how it actually plays. The comfort of playing a certain body style, weight, the feel of the radius of the fretboard and neck profile all have to be considered.

[@d179654582248]

I have a top load 96 Mexican tele that really rocks for a Mexican tele! When I heard your comparison it’s clear that top load sounds much closer to the authentic old school tele sound.

[@igabo95]

Maaan you really nailed it! I hear defenetely a difference and it's true, the top load is more straty. I'm tele player and I'll defenetly try top load the next time I re-string it.

[@gearathon]

I could easily hear it with headphones! Really liked the sound but have never tried. Looking forward to trying one out!

[@markaochoa2017]

that guitar looks absolutely beautiful

[@crossbones911]

Built a tele with an American professional ii body and neck and Lollar pickups. Thought it would sound great but I hated it. It was way too bright and messing with the volume and tone knobs didn't help. Then I remembered the prof ii has the option to top load and that made all the difference. The brittle highs were mellowed and it has a bit less snappiness but that's exactly what I was going for.

[@JayLeonardJ]

So glad it made a difference! Little changes can sometimes make a big difference :)

[@treckeruwe]

as an acoustic player I only play pin-less bridges like on Lowden guitars (Ireland). The Martins and Gibsons have the issue of the 90 degree angle and the pins. On good acoustics you will definitely hear the big difference! If you still have doubts just think of the strings on violins or even in pianos … no harsh angles !

[@shawnbell6392]

Jay, you always rock to the maximum!

[@jlunch]

I’ve got two top loaders yet I’ve always gone string through the body. I will eventually try the other way. I am already happy with how they both sound so I haven’t felt the need to do so.

[@honkyvanwildebeest8926]

Honestly at 47 years of age I didn't expect to be able to hear the difference. So surprised with the difference in tone. Top loader sounds much more balanced and subtle. Is that why I love my cheapie Squier Bullet Mustang so much?

[@TreatzTMA]

Thanks!! Looking to make a Tele my next purchase and am very intrigued by this. Can totally hear the “compression” of top loader Great playing👍👍

[@barrynelson8752]

Very informative and your playing KILLS! I’m a fan, dude.

[@justinkline1294]

Coming back to this issue, I'm still pretty sure that I can hear a difference, and that tone breaks top load. Definitely seems playability. So I'm sold. Which is good, because I got one of thems without really appreciating the difference. Price was right, s took the leap. Glad that I did now. Thanks again for a great video.

[@JayLeonardJ]

Awesome! Enjoy the guitar and rock on!

[@xyzman001]

Man your playing is addicting! Your reactions are same as mine for each note n tone lol

[@michaelpond6386]

This would make more sense if the saddles were like a tune o matic, but a barrel style saddle does not have that issue. The break angle to those barrels is really a non issue. It’s just his personal preference. Through the body was initially designed to allow for body resonance. If I ever decided to “top load a tele it would be with a Bigsby ,

[@grimoire7851]

personallly think holes on low side should be angled back maybe not so nice but correct

[@randallsandmann2579]

Less severe break angle reduces string tension and is easier to bend and play. It’s also why they “overwrap” Gibson tailpieces...

[@chairmancat3668]

I was also suspecting that the sharp break angle is the reason for my strings breaking so often.

[@michaelheller8841]

I have a Fender Modern Player plus Tele and it’s strung through body. I love the sound and versatility. I however, ordered a Jimmy Page Mirror Signature Telecaster that gives you the ability to do both. I will probably leave it top loaded. Jimmy Page seams to like it lol. I’m sure I will too.

[@JoshuaWhitePersonal]

Once again thank you! Great video

[@malkasianmuses]

Just bought a used Mexican Tele top load..tried through bodies as well. Noticed what you're saying, tried 3 teles, oldest, cheapest and top load was the winner....likewise, go to your local music shop and buy used!

[@chmueller50]

Thanks for the great explanation on the top-loader bridge. I have a Fender 75th Anniversary commemorative telecaster and recently noticed it has the top-loader option. Next string change i'll be trying it out. It does feel stiff with 10's, looking forward to the top load to loosen it up a bit.