What’s the string tension difference between a Stoptail McCarty and a DGT Trem McCarty?

[Rod/]

I know that both of these models are 25”scale.. But is the string tension more on the Stop tailpiece McCarty than the tremolo DGT?

 

[RickP]

Totally unscientific here, but it should be exactly the same. The same length of string pulled to the same tension to equal the same pitch.

 

[Rod/]

Totally unscientific here, but it should be exactly the same. The same length of string pulled to the same tension to equal the same pitch.

True, but the more string length you have behind the bridge, the slinkier the feel.. my old ES345 had a trapeze tailpiece (with lots of string length behind the bridge), and it was very loose feeling. I later had a 335 with a stop tail and tunamatic and it was much stiffer feeling

 

[Boogie]

True, but the more string length you have behind the bridge, the slinkier the feel.. my old ES345 had a trapeze tailpiece (with lots of string length behind the bridge), and it was very loose feeling. I later had a 335 with a stop tail and tunamatic and it was much stiffer feeling

Then you’ve answered your own question.

A PRS trem adds dimension beyond the obvious. A DGT also has big frets, which changes the playing dynamic substantially. Plus, a DGT is a “sum of the parts” guitar and is a different experience with a stop tail (and loses some of its mojo, imo).

Btw, my ‘71 335 has a trapeze tailpiece and notice more of an acoustic tone difference to a stoptail version than anything. Just a different twist on a great guitar.

 

[RickP]

True, but the more string length you have behind the bridge, the slinkier the feel.. my old ES345 had a trapeze tailpiece (with lots of string length behind the bridge), and it was very loose feeling. I later had a 335 with a stop tail and tunamatic and it was much stiffer feeling

Gotcha… I was looking more “number” tension than feel. I’m sure that’s going to be subjective, but the springs in the trem will always have more give that that stopbar, for sure! I’ve been playing on mostly fixed bridges of late and enjoy their stability. But it is nice to sense a little looser feel under the fingers too. I have a 72 SG with the Gibson version Bigsby that I have blocked (terrible tuning issues with that trem!) that has a ton of string length behind the bridge. I’ll have to play it today and see what I notice.

 

[guitarforlife]

For me I believe string gauge has more of an effect on the feel of string tension. Thats if you are referring to that some guitars have more of a slinky easy bending type of thing.
I have quite a few guitars around me all the time and have owned God knows how many. In my experience some just play better than others from that slinky perspective even some of the same brand and same models will feel different.

Maybe there is some scientific mathematical reason on paper,Im sure there is. However I am just going by feel the way the strings feel in my hand. I have a certain way I like a guitar to feel I can not describe it I just know it when I get it. It may be the result of the size or thickness of the neck but once again I don't know. Different size necks put you hand in a slightly different position even if it is ever so slight.

I own PRS Guitars with trems and without they all play a little different even the same model. Right now I feel the best one as far as playing is my CE DW with a Floyd Rose.
And FWIW I feel the 24 fret guitars play better then my 22 fret guitars.

I think sometimes we put way too much thought into all this. If a guitar is good for you then it is good end of story. At the end of the day after all its just wood and wires.

 

[Rod/]

Thanks folks…

 

[Geo408]

What RickP said…with the trem, there is usually a more slinky feel, than a stop tail. I have played at least 50 of each model, and the trem wins every time. I like that bit of extra slack in the strings, myself. A stop tail with 10’s, or even 11’s feels just a bit stiffer with a stop tail…just my 2 cents, ymmv. ( either way, you can’t lose, with a PRS! )