1999 Starfire IV on Reverb

[PapaLeo67]

Can anyone tell me why it is strung like this?

 

[gilded]

Yeah, the player wanted less tension in the 3 bottom-most strings, so he/she strung the strings over the stop tail-piece. I think some of the British players did that, but usually with all 6 strings 'over the top.' Maybe Page? And maybe they used heavier strings, too.

 

[GAD]

Very common on Les Pauls where people do it for a more slinky string feel. It’s commonly called “top wrapping” the tailpiece.

 

[walrus]

Many PRS models also do this, as does my Gibson '58 ES-225T.

walrus

 

[SFIV1967]

Yeah, the player wanted less tension in the 3 bottom-most strings...

Exactly. Top-wrapping creates a shallower break angle over the bridge saddle, since the strings pass from the top of the bridge instead of halfway through it, and many players report that their strings feel looser and slinkier as a result. The idea is that with the shallower break angle, the strings are free to move more easily over the bridge when you bend. But it's true, it is very unusual to only do it for part of the strings!

Here's a picture from a real 1959 Les Paul. It was strung up for Joe Bonamassa and his guitar tech Mike Hickey put on another ball end from a dead string on the new string, so the real ball end sits outside the tailpiece and the sharp part of the string won't cut your hand...Pretty clever!

He explains it here:





Ralf

 

[PapaLeo67]

I have seen people top wrap all the strings, but never just three. And to make it more confusing, its a guitar shop selling it. I am going to call and ask. I always wanted this vintage and model, but I think 2K is a bit steep. A near perfect one was listed last week for $1400. They counter offered my offer at $1250, and before I saw it, someone bought it out from under me.

 

[shihan]

Look for a ‘96-98; they had better pickups. The one you were looking at has the ‘OK-ish’ Fender PUs.
The SD-1 PU’s on the aforementioned years are much better. See GADS reviews on how to tell the pickups apart.
Good luck; I love my ‘97 SF4

 

[gilded]

I looked at that guitar on Reverb. It has a 1.74" neck at the nut, according to the pic provided. It that's true and you like big necks, it may be the guitar for you.

You can always spend more money and buy the cooler set of pickups, but you won't get a smaller neck unless you get that guitar.

Also, I always bitch about string-break height, but does anybody think that the tune-o-matic bridge is pretty low?

 

[SFIV1967]

Also, I always bitch about string-break height, but does anybody think that the tune-o-matic bridge is pretty low?

I was thinking the same but I think now he had to bring the bridge very down due to the top wrap of the 3 bass strings.
Ralf