Tailpiece?

[stibbe]

I have a 1918 Gibson A-1 that needs a new tailpiece.Any good advice or tip on what to buy will be much appreciated!

[mandroid]

The stamped replicas are still made, if all you need to do is fix broken string hooks, the original sliding cover may be made to fit on the new base. and so originality is retained . mostly. stewMac , or any of the dealers sponsoring this site can fix you up.

some parts off used instruments appear in the classifieds, occasionally, on this site.

[stibbe]

Thank's mandroid! Broken stringhooks is the problem.

[KanMando]

Before you order the tailpiece from Stew-Mac, see if you can get the mechanical specs for it. I ordered one for my 1914 A1, and the hole for the end pin did not align at all with my mando. Your mando may differ.
In addition to that, I thought the tailpiece itself was rather cheaply made. There are better ones available for less money. I got one from a seller on e-bay that fit, and was much more heavy-duty.

[mandroid]

An inquiry at Gibson as to who is their current supplier for the TP's
they continue to use, may get a variation with a thicker steel base piece.
talking in accurate measurements wont hurt .

[sunburst]

You can probably salvage your tailpiece by cutting with a jewelers saw on each side of where the hooks broke off and making a new, short hook.

[Paul Hostetter]

I'll second John - fix the existing tailpiece, because the modern replacements aren't very close.

[Steevarino]

What a great idea! #I never would have thought of that. #And I thought I was the guy that never throws anything away...

Looking at such a close shot of that tailpiece makes me want to put a strip of leather along the front edge of it, where the strings come off of it. #Don't you guys do that? #I think I do it to insure that the strings don't buzz or rattle at that point.

Steve

www.Cumberlandacoustic.com

[sunburst]

Looking at such a close shot of that tailpiece makes me want to put a strip of leather along the front edge of it, where the strings come off of it. Don't you guys do that?
Nope. My tailpieces don't need it. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[Paul Hostetter]

Don't you guys do that?
Some of us do!

[stibbe]

THANK YOU John and Paul! Didn't think of that,so I'm happy that I can fix the old one now! I think a new one just would'nt look right. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Bill Snyder]

Looking at such a close shot of that tailpiece makes me want to put a strip of leather along the front edge of it, where the strings come off of it. #Don't you guys do that?
Nope. My tailpieces don't need it. #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif
In case not everyone knows it John has his own tailpiece design.
http://www.hamlettinstruments.com/images/G1.jpg

[Bernie Daniel]

Curious: In case not everyone knows it John has his own tailpiece design.

That is a sharp looking tailpiece! #Can anyone post a pic of a mando strung up with the piece?

[Kevin K]

That is really elegant.

[sunburst]

Sure.

[Bernie Daniel]

Nice! #I see what you mean about not needing an added on vibration dampener! #Great concept. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif