Question about 12 hole tie block

[LBrandt]

Hello,

I've just ordered and received a new classical guitar which has a 12 hole tie block. I wasn't aware that it had a 12 hole until I received it. I'm used to stringing guitars with standard 6 hole tie blocks.

Question for any of you who use 12 hole blocks: Must I burn the ends of the treble strings to make a "bubble" there in order to correctly use a 12 hole block? The videos that I've seen all seem to be of the opinion that you have to do that.

Thanks,

Louis

[riffmeister]

Melting a ball end on the trebles is not necessary if you tie them correctly.

Also, you can always use just six holes and tie them "the way old fashioned way".

[riffmeister]

[Gitfiddlemann]

I agree with Riffmeister.
I personally like the 12 hole bridges for ease of attachment. (Absolutely no need to burn anything. )
Here's mine:

[LBrandt]

Thanks. I was hoping that I wouldn't have to melt the ends of the trebles, but I don't understand one thing.

How are the ends of the trebles secured? I can see that the bass strings don't need anything special, but is there a loop in the trebles?

Thanks,

Louis

[Gitfiddlemann]

How are the ends of the trebles secured? I can see that the bass strings don't need anything special, but is there a loop in the trebles?

It's hard to tell from the pic, but there is (or I do) an additional loop on the treble strings i.e. the treble strings go through each hole exactly the same as the bass strings, but rather than cut them off after the first pass through as in the bass strings, you loop it through an additional time, and then cut the ends off.
It seems to help in preventing slip from the slinkier/smoother trebles and, ultimately, promotes a faster break-in period for the trebles, intonation wise.
At least that's the theory

[riffmeister]

Originally Posted by LBrandt

Thanks. I was hoping that I wouldn't have to melt the ends of the trebles, but I don't understand one thing.

How are the ends of the trebles secured? I can see that the bass strings don't need anything special, but is there a loop in the trebles?

Thanks,

Louis

Trebles need one loop to secure them. As shown in the pictures above.

[LBrandt]

Thanks again. I guess that I now understand how you've secured the treble strings. I may just use the 12 hole block as a 6 hole, but maybe I'll at least experiment with the full 12. I just don't want to wind up with a string ding.

[Gitfiddlemann]

I just don't want to wind up with a string ding.

Understandable, but that can happen with either option. Best to use a thin cloth or similar protection layer and snug it up tight to the bridge while you guide the string ends through and make your ties and loops.
I started doing that with this particular guitar because the bridge holes are fairly close to the top.

[LBrandt]

Thanks. I use a guitar "bib" that I bought online. I works great, but I sometimes still worry about the possibility of a ding if I remove the bib too soon after I finish.

[hesson11]

This is the best video I've found for tying the knot:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NN5pGtNQpo0

-Bob