Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Paul, it is said (The Electric Gtr, by PaulTrynka) about an adjustable stop tailpiece on a Les Paul...

"The tailpiece is also adjustable for height; this affects the break angle of the strings, which in turn subtly affects both string tension & the actual tone of the gtr."

My question is, how does this affect the tone of the gtr?

Subtly is right. Better break angle=better sustain. Purer tone, because more of the mechanical force of the strings in a downward vector is transmitted to the body/neck mass.

But if we want to actually check this, we'll need a dog with super-special hearing. I'm sure it can be measured, and such difference will be miniscule. In a highly-amplified situation, however, the difference would be able to be heard by a discerning human ear.

Thanks Paul. It sounds like science vrs ears! Now I have graphtec saddles, I might just tweak the tailpiece down a notch!