Sound Posts

[tmoll]

OK, as a newbie to this list, let me admit right up front that I'm too lazy to research the archives for the answer, but maybe there are some others here that are wondering too.
Can someone summarize what the advantages or disadvantages (real or perceived effect on the sound) of having or not having the sound post are?
My X-500T does not have one, and to me it sounds fantastic as is with Thomastik jazz flats.
Thanks,
Tom

 

[fronobulax]

No idea. I do know, however, that on cellos there are posts that go under the bridge feet. The posts are there so that the string tension does not push the bridge through the top. I'm sure there is some effect on the sound but trying to justify them because they conduct vibration between the top and bottom sounds like something a marketing weasel would dream up to make a feature out of an engineering necessity.

Welcome, by the way. The only thing I can really speak authoritatively on is Starfire and JS basses from late 60's/early 70's. That never stops me from expressing an opinion, however.

 

[danerectal]

By frono's Cello note, I'd guess they're only necessary in a reinforcement capacity on a Spruce top. Cellos use spruce right? As far as affecting tone on a maple or mahogany carved top for example, I'd imagine it would be detrimental to the ability of the top to vibrate freely. This would infer less open tone, and therefore less of a propensity to feed back in an electric. At the same time, it may add to string sustain, while dampening top sustain. All hypothesis, but judging by the behavior of acoustic guitars, I'd say it may have some basis.

 

[Century Bob]

My x160 did not have one from the factory. It also fedback really bad at stage volume. I had a post installed. It cured the feedback. It did tighten up the sound a little adding some definition. It was worth doing and had not unwanted side effects.

 

[teleharmonium]

With a sound post, you get less feedback, maybe a little more sustain (depending on the size and placement of the post), and a bit less airy amplified sound. The acoustic sound gets quieter since you are damping vibration of the top and back which are the equivalent of the speaker for an acoustic instrument. That probably doesn't matter to most players, but I like to practice on my hollowbody electrics, unamplified. Some of them sound good enough acoustically to use for recording, even though all of mine have thin or small bodies (for an archtop/flatwound sound, not in place of a flat top acoustic).