Repair Case: Converting a String-Through-Only Music Man StingRay Bridge to Top-Loading

For a period, vintage Music Man StingRay basses were fitted with a bridge that could only be strung through the body. Recent replicas of vintage StingRays often copy that bridge faithfully, limitation included. In this repair case from the Geek IN Box workshop in Japan, a customer asked us to modify one of these bridges so that it could be top-loaded as well.

Why String-Through vs Top-Load Matters

The difference between the two stringing methods is the angle at which the string bends over the saddle, the break angle.

• String-through-body: a steeper break angle
• Top-load: a shallower break angle

It is well known that too steep a break angle can cause problems: less sustain, fewer overtones and shorter string life. This angle is extremely important. One reason the Badass Bass II bridge became so prized is that its break angle is shallow. Some designers took the idea further still, such as the Ray Ross bridge, which does away with the break angle altogether.

A replica bridge that only allows string-through stringing can run into exactly the same issues as the vintage original. The request, then, was simple: drill the bridge so the owner can choose.

The Work

Before drilling, we worked out the best path for each string, taking into account both the structure of the bridge and what could be machined cleanly.

Before

After

Because of the way this bridge is built, it is difficult to run every string in a perfectly straight line from the nut to the ball end. In practice we designed the holes so the strings follow the paths shown in red below.

We judged that a deviation this small would not cause any real problem.

The Result

With this modification the bass can now be strung in a way the original bridge never allowed. We are not saying that string-through is inferior or that top-loading is always better. But having the choice is no bad thing.

If you own a StingRay and feel that the string tension is too stiff, that strings go dead quickly, or that the sound lacks overtones, a modification like this is worth considering.

Key Takeaways

• Some vintage and vintage-replica StingRay bridges are string-through only.
• A steep break angle over the saddle can reduce sustain, overtones and string life.
• Drilling top-load holes gives you both options without replacing the bridge.

Looking for a StingRay of your own? See the Music Man basses in stock at Geek IN Box.