An Alternative Method of Tying Off Strings at the Bridge
The traditional method of tying the string off at the bridge is to thread the string through the bridge hole and loop it around itself then insert the string under itself at the rear of the bridge (where the back holes are) so that it locks on itself when you tighten the string.
However there is an alternative that has many advantages in it's favour. The method is to simply tie a knot to secure the string to the bridge, as shown here:
The only requirement is that the knot is large enough not to pull through at pitch. You can be creative and tie little hearts and bows if you wish. The advantages of this method are fourfold:
- The string is better secured than the traditional tie and, thus, is less likely to slip.
- String tension is focused on the end of the bridge resulting in simpler string geometry.
- There is less wear to the bridge top and holes.
- Provided you tie a nice knot, it's more attractive than the traditional tie.
To secure the bottom four strings, begin with a half hitch knot. Keeping the knot loose, I thread the end through again, leaving enough slack to form a loop. Then, finally, pull the string towards the head stock to tighten the knot. For the first and second strings, loop through twice to make the knot big enough not to pull through under tension.
