Quote:
Originally Posted by aznrambo481
My understanding is that staggered poles allow for the string volumes to be more consistent. Naturally quieter strings have higher corresponding poles. I don't think there is a definintive change in tone, but strats nowadays are mostly stagger-poled.
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It's been explained to me that "vintage stagger" was introduced to compensate for string to string volume differences on older string gauges, mostly due to wound G strings, and that many came to prefer them with modern lighter strings as well. I play and enjoy both flat and staggered, and notice a bit of difference in chord voicings, with the flat poles being a bit more balanced, YMMV. If you're feeling adventurous, you can create your own "custom stagger" by supporting your bobbins and pressing up or down on each pole to achieve the balance you prefer...a trick pretty common back in the day.
