String-through body

A design in which the strings pass through holes drilled in the body behind the bridge, so their ball ends sit on the back face.

The longer path means each string contacts the saddle from a steeper angle and the ball end anchors solidly against the body rather than the bridge plate, which is generally credited with a firmer low end and better tuning stability. It also means the bridge itself can be simpler, since it does not have to hold the string ends. Ferrules are always fitted into the holes, because bare ball ends would slowly sink into the timber.

Example: a string-through hardtail bridge gives a tight, solid bass response that players often contrast with a top-loading bridge's looser feel.

String-through body

See also