How come some (or most?) seven players don't like TOMs with stop-tails?

[Shenaniganizer]

I seem to be seeing that quite often.
Does it have to do with tone, or is it a matter of appearance?

 

[MaxOfMetal]

I seem to be seeing that quite often.
Does it have to do with tone, or is it a matter of appearance?

Are you sure?

Tons of players on here love their TOM equipped C7's and Septors.

Though, I personally don't like them due to how far out of the body they tend to stick.

 

[Shenaniganizer]

No, no, I meant specifically with the stop-tail part.
I know a ton of seven players love their TOM-equipped guitars that happen to be string-thru. But, it seems that not very many are fans of the stop-tail.

 

[MaxOfMetal]

No, no, I meant specifically with the stop-tail part.
I know a ton of seven players love their TOM-equipped guitars that happen to be string-thru. But, it seems that not very many are fans of the stop-tail.

Gotcha.

I think that has more to do with what the guitar builders and companies make, then players themselves not liking the stop tail-piece. I also think if anything, it's more of a visual thing than a tone or feel issue.

 

[Shenaniganizer]

Ah. I thought there might've been some concern with string contact, considering the fact that the strings make more direct contact with the body in a string-thru setup than with a stop-tail.
Though, to be honest, I don't buy into that too much anyway.

I'm thinking of either going with a TOM, TOM/stoptail, or FR for my seven string build I'll be starting on (eventually). TOM or TOM/stoptail would definitely be cheaper, and a hell of a lot easier than routing for a Floyd, so I'm thinking I'll do one of those. I just wanted to see if there was a tonal issue.

 

[MaxOfMetal]

Ah. I thought there might've been some concern with string contact, considering the fact that the strings make more direct contact with the body in a string-thru setup than with a stop-tail.
Though, to be honest, I don't buy into that too much anyway.

I'm thinking of either going with a TOM, TOM/stoptail, or FR for my seven string build I'll be starting on (eventually). TOM or TOM/stoptail would definitely be cheaper, and a hell of a lot easier than routing for a Floyd, so I'm thinking I'll do one of those. I just wanted to see if there was a tonal issue.

Yeah, routing for an FR (or just about any trem for that matter) can be a real pain in the ass.

You'll find plenty out there that will tell you the difference between TOM/Furrels and TOM/Stop Tail is night and day, as far as tone goes, but to be honest I never noticed a huge difference on guitars of the same quality, using the same quality of hardware. If I was you, I'd go for whichever was most visually appealing.

Though, if you do want a trem, without a lot of the hassle of routing, look into a Kahler unit. It certainly won't be the cheapest option, but it is an option if you're a real trem freak like me.

 

[Shenaniganizer]

I love the Floyd on my Jackson. I've never tried a Kahler, but I don't like the way they look, and I've never heard a good thing about them. But, to be fair, I never really heard much about them in the first place.

I hear that TOMs/TOM&stoptails/hardtails sound heavier than Floyds, though. I want this build to be as versatile as possible. I'd love to route for a Floyd, but I have no idea where I could get a template, and I'm petrified of screwing it up.

I'm thinking it'll either be TOM or TOM/stop-tail. MAYBE a hard-tail, because they're cheap.


EDIT: Sorry, I just re-read this post, and it sounds like a mess of rambling. It's 5 AM here and I've yet to sleep. Sleep deprivation FTL.

 

[MaxOfMetal]

I love the Floyd on my Jackson. I've never tried a Kahler, but I don't like the way they look, and I've never heard a good thing about them. But, to be fair, I never really heard much about them in the first place.

I hear that TOMs/TOM&stoptails/hardtails sound heavier than Floyds, though. I want this build to be as versatile as possible. I'd love to route for a Floyd, but I have no idea where I could get a template, and I'm petrified of screwing it up.

I'm thinking it'll either be TOM or TOM/stop-tail. MAYBE a hard-tail, because they're cheap.


EDIT: Sorry, I just re-read this post, and it sounds like a mess of rambling. It's 5 AM here and I've yet to sleep. Sleep deprivation FTL.

Ramble away friend.

Yeah, Kahlers are an "acquired taste" visually, and to be honest have a much different feel to them than FR's. Though, some people LOVE them.

As for "heaviness" some of the heaviest riffs of all time were delivered on FR equipped guitars. I'm not saying any of the various TOM set-ups aren't heavy, not in the least. Though, I really think it's one of those things that doesn't matter as much in the realm of fast playing and high gain. Not to say tone doesn't matter when playing fast, or slathering on the gain.

Now who's rambling?

 

[loktide]

i disagree. i've never had the impression that 7-string players dislike stoptails. Nor a preference for strings thru body over stop tails

 

[JJ Rodriguez]

I don't think routing for an OFR would be that much of a pain in the ass if you're building the guitar from scratch, no more than pickup cavities or control cavities for electronics. If you have a template, routing is routing.

 

[pom]

I noticed that TOM/Stoptails are often installed on 1 piece body guitars and that String-thrrough are associated with Neck-through guitars. Does it Make sense?

 

[TomParenteau]

Many wraparounds have the same adjustability as a TOM. Wraparounds sound way better, are easier to bend notes with, stay in tune better, and have a cleaner look than a TOM.

Yes, I am a Tune-O-Matic hater. It has nothing to do with me recently becoming addicted to 7-string guitars. String-through, trapeze tailpiece (although this is necessary on hollow guitars), post-mounted stoptail, those great-looking V-shaped tailpieces, any application of TOM sucks.

Of course there is a long history of great guitars with TOMs! There are millions of people who love TOMs for real reasons. But the simple physics of a TOM are less than optimal for tone, sustain, and bending. My experience with wraparounds & Floyds has always been great---way better than those damn Tune-O-Matics.

 

[Cheesebuiscut]

The only difference I'd fathom coming from a string through vs stoptail is the string through would have more "perceived tension" over the stoptail piece because of the break angle coming out of the body and additional string length.

Beyond that though (which most people don't pay attention to or know about) people only really mention sustain or cosmetics.

 

[TomParenteau]

the string through would have more "perceived tension" over the stoptail piece because of the break angle coming out of the body

Good point.

 

[BenEllerGuitars]

My Schecter C-7 blackjack that i used to own had a string thru TOM. i didn't like it because:
1: the individual string height wasn't adjustable
2: the strings resonated behind the tailpiece. i had to put foam or tape over them to keep them from humming out during stops. it was like the good ol' "floyd rose spring hum", only way worse!

 

[budda]

I'd take one on a singlecut like an LP

 

[xtrustisyoursx]

I love TOM, esp with a stoptail.

 

[troyguitar]

If you want something simple for a build, just use a cheap hardtail bridge to start. If you find a top-loading one, you can literally install it in 30 seconds.

 

[Samer]

I like TOM bridges when they are direct mounted like on my KxK.

 

[Fred]

I don't like any kind of TOM just because I find them incredibly uncomfortable. Purely a personal thing, but I'd take a Hipshot or Gibraltar-style bridge any day. Would love to try that Schaller Hannes, too; looks extremely comfortable!