Mixing string through and bridge only stringing on one bass?

[Bheemer]

I have a set of string through made labellas on a 5 string and want to try out a low b string that isn't made to be strung through. The bass is made to support both string through and bridge only stringing. Any reason not to mix them?

 

[iiipopes]

It's fine. I have done it. Usually, on a bass that can be strung both ways, I put at least the G string through the bridge to get a little more down force on the bridge saddle, to help boost sustain and tame twang, and at least the B and E top loaded so they don't bind or kink the core. I have strung the A and D both ways, depending on the string and what sounds good in relation to the others.

 

[mmbongo]

No reason not to. Mike Lull builds his basses with the B string through body, the rest top load. Warrior does the same but both B and E are through body. It's a great design that helps the outer wraps of the
B string from going around the tuner post.

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

Carvin bridges are not large enough to accommodate even .125 B strings so I have to string both my LB76s through the body. I string everything else top load. I have never had an issue.

 

[JustForSport]

No reason not to. Mike Lull builds his basses with the B string through body, the rest top load. Warrior does the same but both B and E are through body. It's a great design that helps the outer wraps of the
B string from going around the tuner post.

That's one way to compensate for the B (or E) string post being too close to the nut.

 

[JTE]

I did alternating on two similar basses. A pair of Lakland 4-94s. One strung with E and D top-load while A and G were through-body. The other was reversed. Reversed it when I restrung them. This true side-by-side test showed me ther is absolutely no difference in feel or sound going top-load or through-body.

I
Brfore this test I was positive string-through was better sounding and felt different under my plucking hand, but the facts said otherwise...

 

[ixlramp]

It may be best to keep a B top-loaded, if it's thick or stiff where it bends over the saddle (or is not taperwound) it's best to have a less extreme angle.
Because the saddle needs to be set back so far for intonation this can cause an extreme downwards angle towards the string-through hole.
It helps with intonation and tone to have a string come off the saddle in a straight line instead of going over the saddle in a curve.