Top-wrapping the strings on Sheraton?

Saxdragon

I top-wrapped the strings on my new JLH Sheraton(new-used) and it appeared as if it was pulling the studs out of the body. I loosened the strings to get a better look, and although it looked bad at first, I don't think any harm was done. The studs go into the center block, right? What is that, solid maple? Does anyone else top-wrap strings on a semi-hollow or hollowbody?

That's a John Lee Hooker Sheraton stop-tail, Limited Edition made in 1999. I had a set of 11's on it. I played it at a gig outdoors yesterday, under a tent during an all-day rainstorm...literally baptised the guitar...and it sounded terrific through my '72 Fender Deluxe reverb.

Thoughts please?

SD

CAFeathers · Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 10:53 pm Post subject:

If it looked like it was pulling the studs out I would have it checked by a qualified luthier. That just doesn't sound right to me.

If I may ask, Why are you top wrapping?

Saxdragon · Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 11:02 pm Post subject:

I did it on my Gibson LP Standard and I noticed it made it easier (too much easier in fact) to bend strings, and since I usually use .10's, I thought it would make the action a little smoother. I've also noticed that top-wrapping makes it "ring" a little more.

CAFeathers · Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 11:25 pm Post subject:

I am one of those opposed to topwrapping, don't ask me why, I just am.

Try lowering the action until the strings just start to buzz acoustically, but not amplified. Raise the tailpiece, making sure the stings don't touch the back of the bridge after they go over the saddles. Adjust the relief on the neck so that it is as straight as possible without causing fretbuzz on any frets.

The statement below is a bit of spam.

I highly recommend checking into TonePros www.tonepros.com bridges and tailpieces.

Saxdragon · Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 11:34 pm Post subject:

Why are you opposed to it?

I heard that some of the Epi's have a non-standard width bridge and tailpiece. Do you think tonepros has a set that would fit?

CAFeathers · Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 11:51 pm Post subject:

The only problem with the bridges on Epi's being a different size would have been on some models in the 80's. In the 80's there were a lot of changes to parts from several guitar builders.

In my opinion it sucks some of the tone, I don't like the way it looks, I don't like that it scratches the tailpiece over time, If I wanted a guitar that topwraps I would by one that was made that way.

SAguitar · Posted: Mon Jun 26, 2006 5:07 am Post subject:

I don't top-wrap, and I don't go with girls that do. If you wanna, that's up to you, but if it was that easy to make everything better on that kind of setup, they would all come stock that way. I've tried it, briefly, and didn't think it improved anything. That's just my two cents.