PeterRD350LC

String through body uses the string tension to pull the bridge onto the body. Top load uses the string tension to pull the bridge off of the body. It is preferable to have designs that use forces that pull assemblies together rather than apart. Why I prefer string through body. The improvement in tone may be imperceptible but it a design that has load path advantages. All my favourite sounding basses and guitars have string through body so I suspect string through body does improve tone. I suspect anything that makes an instrument stronger and more rigid will improve its tone. I have a 71 Precision that used to be my least favourite bass. It had dead spots on the G string around the fifth string and would hum. I replaced the neck with a Warmoth neck with steel support rods, completely shielded the electrics and converted it to string through body. It is now my favourite bass. It has a clear, deep, full tone and is easier to play.