Top loader for my first partscaster?

[rhh7]

Marty is making my ash Tele body, with a humbucker routing in the neck. I think I would like a toploader, as opposed to through the body design. Were not some of the most famous, early Telecasters toploaders?

Any ideas or advice would be appreciated. I am quite excited!

http://s277.photobucket.com/albums/kk51/rhh7/?action=view&current=MyNewTeleBody.jpg

[shoretyus]

What you don't want to thread a string through the body.... on stage .... in the dark??

They used a top loader in 59 and 82. Some think that because of the different angle of the string that it can move around on the bridge.

I have a walnut build going and now that you mention it I could put a top loader on it and I wouldn't have to buy ferrules or drill.

[rhh7]

Well, on further reflection, I am going to have the body drilled for string through...but I am using a compensated Tele bridge with 3 brass saddles, this bridge allows you to either top load, or go through the body.

One of the best players on the Telecaster Forum advises using 3 strings through the body, 3 strings top load...forget exactly how he does it, but he is an awesome guitarist!