end plate stringing

[Deleted]

Is there a right and wrong way to string the end plate ?
My new AMG 1 has the strings coming from underneath with the end "nuts" of the strings showing on top , there is a piece of green felt on the underside which points to it is the intended way but all the resonator pics I have seen show them the other way around .
I have restrung it with heavier better quality strings with the same routing and it is playing real good - but I just thought I better check as I am new to the "Shiny " guitar Variety

thanks

[Michael Messer]

Hi buchandelta,

That is called 'understringing' and is usually done by shops to get rid of any buzzes & rattles. It does this by making more of a break angle than it should have, by coming under the tailpiece to the bridge. Eventually this could cause damage because it is putting uneven pressure on the bridge & cone. Quite often the tailpiece is bent slightly to accomodate 'understringing'. You should try stringing it properly, but first make sure the tailpiece is in its correct shape. You should not need any felt under it. Hopefully your guitar will sound better with the strings properly put through the tailpice. If it buzzes & rattles, you will have to think about either spending some time adjusting things to get it right, or go back to understringing it and hope for the best. The cone in an AMG1 is not as fragile as a National or National Reso-Phonic one, so you should be okay. Without actually seeing your guitar it is hard to know exactly what to advise.

Enjoy your shiny guitar!
Shine On,
Michael

[Deleted]

Just restrung it the right way - all good - no buzes - and the strings are just below the horizontal with the bridge.
Thanks for you speedy assistance.

[Michael Messer]

My pleasure. That is the National Breakdown Service in action!

I am pleased that it is all working properly now.

Shine On
Michael

[LouisianaGrey]

Apart from what Michael said, the other reason I don't like understringing is that it's pulling the leading edge of the tailpiece upwards and putting more strain on the bend. If you overstring (i.e. the normal way) the pull is further back so the tension is spread more evenly.

There is one dobro player, Tut Taylor, who is a big advocate of understringing but everyone else I can think of thinks it's a bad idea. Besides, spider bridge guitars seem to benefit from more string pressure, but biscuit bridge instruments don't.

[Michael Messer]

Back in the 1980s & early 90s, I bought a few National guitars from Gruhn in Nashville and they were all very annoyingly understrung. It is an instant & easy way of eliminating buzzes & rattles, but it is not good for the cone. It will eventually pull the bridge backwards & dent the cone. Also, because the tailpiece has been bent to accomodate the understringing, that too is weakened.

We need some car stickers 'SAY NO TO UNDERSTRINGING!'

Have a good Easter weekend,

Shine On,
Michael.

[Bill Stig]

I believe that the warranty is voided if you understring a National Resophonic guitar.

Bill

[Gerry C]

FREE THE UNDERSTRUNG SIX!! ;D

Cheerily

Gerry C