When the strings are run through the body of your instrument as opposed to being held at the back end of the bridge, string pressure is directed downward forcing the saddles into the body. Therefore saddle/ bridge/ body coupling is enhanced, giving you a more snappy tone (good for slapping). Our bridges are available with the string through and top loading features combined so that you can run some strings though the body or from the back of the bridge for maximum tonal adjustment and variations (for example; you may want to run your bass strings though the body while running you treble strings from the back of the bridge).