Why Does Joe Bonamassa Top Wrap His Guitar Strings?

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31 Jul, 2025

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There's a question that often pops up among guitar players, a sort of curious puzzle about how some of the very best get their unique sound and feel. It's about a specific way Joe Bonamassa sets up his guitars, a choice that really makes folks wonder. We're talking about why Joe Bonamassa top wraps his guitar strings, a technique that looks a little different and, for many, holds a certain mystique.

It's interesting, isn't it, how we often seek out the reasons behind things? Just like pondering why certain words or expressions become common, or why some traditions stick around, people are quite naturally curious about the choices a master musician makes. So, when you see Bonamassa's guitars with strings going over the tailpiece, it's very natural to ask, "Why is that?"

Well, we're going to explore just that. We'll look at what top wrapping actually means, and then, quite frankly, we'll get into the various reasons why a player like Joe Bonamassa might choose this setup. It's about how it feels, how it might sound, and what it does for the instrument itself. We’ll even touch on whether it’s something you might want to try on your own guitar, too.

Joe Bonamassa: A Brief Look
What Exactly is Top Wrapping?
The "Why" Behind the Wrap: Bonamassa's Reasons

A Different Feel for Playing
How it Might Affect Tone and Sustain
The Angle at the Bridge
It's About Personal Comfort and Preference

Does Top Wrapping Work for Everyone?
How to Top Wrap Your Guitar
Common Questions About Top Wrapping

Joe Bonamassa: A Brief Look

Joe Bonamassa is, for many, a true modern guitar hero. He's known for his incredible blues-rock playing, his powerful voice, and, arguably, his rather extensive collection of vintage guitars and amplifiers. He started playing guitar at a very young age, even opening for B.B. King when he was just a boy. Over the years, he has built a huge following, releasing many successful albums and touring all over the globe.

His playing style is often described as a blend of traditional blues with a harder rock edge. He's a master of dynamics, moving from soft, soulful passages to blistering, loud solos. This kind of playing, so it seems, requires an instrument that responds in a very particular way. His gear choices, including how he strings his guitars, are all part of getting that signature sound and feel.

Personal Details and Bio Data

Detail	Information
Full Name	Joseph Leonard Bonamassa
Born	May 8, 1977
Birthplace	New Hartford, New York, USA
Occupation	Musician, Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist
Genre	Blues Rock, Blues
Instruments	Guitar, Vocals
Years Active	1989–present
Notable Traits	Extensive vintage guitar collection, prolific recording artist, energetic live performer

What Exactly is Top Wrapping?

So, what are we talking about when we say "top wrapping"? Typically, on guitars with a Tune-o-matic bridge and a stop tailpiece (like many Gibson Les Pauls, for example), the strings pass through holes in the tailpiece from the front. They then go over the bridge saddles and up to the tuning pegs. That's the usual way, you know?

Top wrapping, however, is a different approach. Instead of feeding the strings through the front of the tailpiece, you feed them through the back. Then, you wrap them *over* the top of the tailpiece itself, letting them rest on the top edge before they go over the bridge saddles. This means the strings are essentially making a bend over the tailpiece before they reach the bridge. It's a subtle change in the path the string takes, but it can have some rather noticeable effects, apparently.

This method has been around for a long time, actually. Some guitarists have used it for decades, passing down the idea that it changes how the guitar feels and sounds. It's a modification that doesn't require any special tools or parts, just a different way of stringing up your instrument. It’s pretty straightforward, really.

The "Why" Behind the Wrap: Bonamassa's Reasons

When someone like Joe Bonamassa, who is incredibly particular about his instruments, chooses to top wrap, there are usually some good reasons behind it. It's not just for looks, though it does give the guitar a somewhat unique appearance. His choices are always about getting the best performance and sound from his tools. Let's look at why he, and many others, find this method appealing, you know.

A Different Feel for Playing

One of the most talked-about reasons for top wrapping is the change in string tension. When strings go over the top of the tailpiece, the angle at which they leave the tailpiece and go over the bridge is less steep. This lessens the break angle, which can make the strings feel "slinkier" or looser. For a player who does a lot of string bending, like Bonamassa, this can be a huge benefit, to be honest.

Less perceived tension means it takes less effort to bend notes. This can make fast runs and wide bends easier on the fingers, which is pretty important during long performances. It also allows for more expressive vibrato, as the strings respond more readily to subtle movements. It's about comfort and playability, essentially, making the guitar feel more forgiving, so to speak.

This feeling of reduced tension can also help with hand fatigue. If you're playing for hours, a setup that makes bending and fretting a bit easier can really make a difference. It’s a small adjustment that can have a big impact on how comfortable the instrument feels in your hands, you know, over time.

How it Might Affect Tone and Sustain

Beyond the feel, some players believe top wrapping can also influence the guitar's tone and sustain. The idea is that by reducing the break angle over the bridge, there's less downward pressure on the bridge posts. This, in turn, might allow the bridge to vibrate a little more freely, or perhaps transfer vibrations to the guitar's body in a different way. It’s a bit of a debate, honestly, but many players swear by it.

Some argue that this can lead to a slight increase in sustain, or perhaps a more open, resonant sound. The theory is that the strings are not as "locked down" at the tailpiece, allowing for more natural vibration. While the scientific evidence might be a bit murky, the subjective experience of many guitarists, including Bonamassa, suggests there's something to it. It's a subtle thing, but guitarists are often very sensitive to subtle changes, as a matter of fact.

This perceived tonal shift might also contribute to the overall character of Bonamassa's sound. He’s known for a rich, full tone, and every little adjustment can add up to create that unique voice. So, top wrapping could be one piece of that larger sonic puzzle, contributing to the guitar's voice in a very particular way, arguably.

The Angle at the Bridge

The angle at which the strings pass over the bridge saddles is a crucial factor for a guitar's setup. With a standard stringing method, the strings dive sharply from the tailpiece to the bridge. This creates a very steep break angle. While this can provide a lot of downward pressure, keeping the strings firmly in place, it also creates a lot of friction, too.

Top wrapping changes this angle significantly. By wrapping the strings over the tailpiece, the strings approach the bridge at a much shallower angle. This reduces the pressure on the bridge saddles and the tailpiece posts. For some, this can reduce string breakage at the bridge, as there's less sharp stress on the string. It's a practical benefit, really, that can save a player some frustration during a gig.

Furthermore, some guitarists believe that this shallower angle can help with tuning stability, particularly for players who use a lot of aggressive string bending. Less friction at the bridge means the strings are less likely to get caught or bind, which can cause tuning issues. It’s a small detail, but in the heat of a performance, every bit of stability helps, you know.

It's About Personal Comfort and Preference

Ultimately, a lot of gear choices, especially for seasoned pros, come down to personal preference. Joe Bonamassa has spent countless hours playing guitars, experimenting with different setups, and finding what works best for his hands and his sound. Top wrapping is likely a result of years of trying things out and settling on what feels most comfortable and responsive to him. It's very much about feel, honestly.

What works for one player might not work for another. There's no single "right" way to set up a guitar, and this is a perfect example of that. Bonamassa's choice to top wrap is a testament to his dedication to finding every little edge that helps him perform at his peak. It's about optimizing his tools for his specific needs and playing style, you know.

This personal touch is what makes a musician's setup so interesting. It’s not just about what the guitar can do, but how it feels when you play it. And for Joe, top wrapping gives him that particular feel and response that he needs to play the way he does, and that’s pretty cool, actually.

Does Top Wrapping Work for Everyone?

So, given all these potential benefits, should everyone top wrap their guitar? Well, it's not quite that simple. While many players, including Bonamassa, find it advantageous, it's not a universal solution. What feels good to one person might not feel right to another. It's very much a matter of trying it out for yourself, in a way.

Some guitarists might find that the reduced tension makes the strings feel too "floppy" or less precise, especially if they have a heavy picking hand. Others might not notice any significant change in tone or sustain. It really depends on your playing style, your touch, and what you prefer in terms of string feel. There's no downside to trying it, though, if you're curious. It’s completely reversible, which is nice, so to speak.

It's also worth noting that the type of guitar and bridge can play a part. While it's most commonly done on Tune-o-matic/stop tailpiece setups, the effects might vary slightly from one guitar to another. So, if you're thinking about trying it, just know that your experience might be a little different from someone else's, and that's perfectly okay, too.

How to Top Wrap Your Guitar

If you're interested in trying out top wrapping to see if it works for you, the process is quite simple. You don't need any special tools, just your guitar, a new set of strings, and a little patience. It's a straightforward modification, really, that anyone can do at home. Here’s a quick guide, basically:

1. **Remove Old Strings:** First, take off your old guitar strings. This is a good time to clean your fretboard and bridge, by the way.

2. **Feed Through the Back:** Instead of feeding the new string through the front of the tailpiece hole, feed it through the back. Push the string through the hole from the side closest to the bridge pickup, so the ball end is hidden on the far side of the tailpiece.

3. **Wrap Over the Top:** Once the string is through, pull it up and over the top edge of the tailpiece. Make sure it rests smoothly on the top curve of the tailpiece. This is the "wrap" part, obviously.

4. **Over the Bridge, To the Tuner:** From there, guide the string over the appropriate bridge saddle, and then up to its tuning machine on the headstock. Make sure the string is seated correctly in the saddle groove.

5. **Tune Up and Stretch:** Tune the string to pitch. Gently pull on the string a few times to stretch it out, then retune. Repeat this process for all six strings. You'll want to make sure the strings are settled properly over the tailpiece and saddles, too.

6. **Adjust as Needed:** After all strings are on and tuned, check your intonation and string height. You might need to make minor adjustments to your bridge height or saddle positions to get everything just right. It's often a good idea to let the strings settle for a bit before making final adjustments, you know.

Common Questions About Top Wrapping

What is top wrapping on a guitar?

Top wrapping is a guitar stringing method, typically used on guitars with a stop tailpiece, where the strings are fed through the back of the tailpiece and then wrapped over its top edge before going to the bridge. This differs from the usual method where strings go through the front of the tailpiece.

Does top wrapping reduce string tension?

Yes, top wrapping can reduce the perceived string tension. By creating a shallower break angle over the bridge, it can make the strings feel "slinkier" and easier to bend. This doesn't actually change the string's physical tension (which is determined by pitch and scale length), but it alters the feel and playability.

What guitars does Joe Bonamassa play?

Joe Bonamassa is famously known for playing a wide array of vintage guitars, particularly Gibson Les Pauls, ES-335s, and Flying Vs. He also plays Fender Telecasters and Stratocasters, among many other rare and custom instruments. He's a true collector and enthusiast, always finding unique and interesting guitars to add to his collection.

Learning about why a musician like Joe Bonamassa makes specific gear choices is a fascinating way to understand the subtleties of guitar playing. Top wrapping, while seemingly a small detail, can really impact how an instrument feels and responds. It’s a choice that reflects a player's deep connection to their instrument and their constant search for the perfect sound and feel. So, perhaps give it a try yourself, and see what you discover about your own playing, you know. Learn more about guitar setups on our site, and for more details on advanced techniques, you can also check out this page.