Allen Tailpiece

[dwmand]

I'm trying to decide on a replacement tailpiece. Allen alone has six styles. Is it all a matter of cosmetics or are some easier to change strings than others. I've been beating up this Gibson A-1 for years now and have lost the tailpiece cover; it goes out of tune all the time; I break strings all the time. I think it's time to realize that I'm going to play this thing forever and I don't need to keep it original - I need the thing to be dependable to withstand the gigs - and if it means a replacement bridge and tuning machines I'll do it.

[Loren Bailey]

I have the TR2 and am pretty pleased with it. The TR2 has a reasonable amount of space on it that can be engraved, so you could have "The Gibson" engraved on it and at least keep the theme original.

Loren

[Tom C]

I would <span style='color:red'>not</span> get the AR http://www.gregboyd.com/images/accessories/2AllenTP_AR.jpg. Some loops can not fit around post unless you loosen the adjoining string. This happend when changing the
D string next to the G. I have to loosen the G to fit the D aound the loop. Also the rough glittering gold pattern makes it hard to see the silver string loop, -especially when fighting with the adjoing string. If a string broke while performing, I'd probably miss 2 or 3 tunes.

[Hoyt]

I've had several Allens including the type shown in Tom C's post. It's a beautiful tailpiece that you will admire every day.

Never had a problem changing strings. And in the unlikely event you break a string, a ball-end string will work great in these tailpieces.

I liked the solid, unplated brass best simply because it changed color over time.

Hoyt

[Ken Berner]

I'm with Hoyt on this one; the unplated tailpiece really turns rustic looking over time. I had one of these on an old A mandolin and it was a great addition.

[Lee]

My BRW A-style has a nickel AR tailpiece and I honestly can't figure out why Tom is having those problems. #I like the symmetrical look. The similar Monteleone tailpiece is really a hassle because the string posts are vertical and get wider at the top (rather than being back-slanted like the AR). It's difficult to get the strings on and off the posts on the Monteleone because you've got to manually spring the loops wider. #I'm considering another silver AR to replace the stamped chrome steel tailpiece on my Old Wave oval-A. An alternate consideration is the Weber combination tailpiece/armrest. #I'm fishing for user comments on another thread.

[dwmand]

Well, I just went with the suggestions here and bought the Tr-2 unpolished. I have an endpin jack. Will my luthier have to rout or drill out the tailpiece hole bigger?

[Hoyt]

Lee957,

I assume this is the Old Wave you got to before I could at Gruhns.

When I had my Old Wave, I put the unplated brass Allen tailpiece on it. As Ken said, it will turn rustic fairly quickly. I thought it looked nice even with silver tuners.

I can't swear that it sounded better than the standard tp, but it certainly did not hurt the sound of the Old Wave. I needed a sturdy "comfortable" tailpiece because I practice a lot at nights in a semi-reclined position with my arm often resting on the back of the mando and tailpiece. Not the best position for serious playing, but a very good one for noodling and contemplating the virtues of mandolin. The Allen is perfect in that respect. Standard tailpieces dig into one's arm and actually bend a little.

Hoyt

[brianf]

The Allen gold doesn't seemn to have any gold at all. #The bronze, or brass tarnishes as soon as you start to play it. #It doesn't even polish well with #a brass cleaner.

[Charlie Ayers]

Hi Brianf:

Could you clarify what you meant by "having no gold at all"? I'm considering a gold TR2, but I haven't been able to lay my hands on one to check it out too closely.

Thanks,
Charlie

[neal]

I'm wondering what the difference is in the gold Vs. bronze. #Looking at the tr-2 and there's a 20 buck difference. #Same color? #Would the bronze tarnish to a nice(?) green? #Or am I thinking of copper. #They look really nice, not concerened so much with sound benifits, although that would be a plus.

Here's the URL for Allen tailpieces. (http://www.allenguitar.com/index.htm)

[Lee]

Yes Hoyt, the one and same Old Wave from Gruhn's. It is the perfect sofa-noodling mandolin. The corner is rather sharp. So I'm considering one of those combination tailpiece/armrests made by Weber.

[mando andy]

I got the TR-2, nickel, tail piece from Randy. #I think the sustain, tone (richer), and volume were improved. #Easy to install. #Easy to change strings. #Easy to deal with Randy--he spent a lot of time on the phone with me going through the options.

I installed this on my Triggs A. #The stamped tailpiece (weak) was touching the top and the rigid, cast tailpiece eliminated that problem.

Looks great!!

Andy Morton
Madison, WI

[Charlie Ayers]

Like Neal, I'm wondering about the difference betweent the bronze and gold - I don't think there is a bronze one shown on the Allen website. Does the bronze one polish nicely?

Thanks,
Charlie

[neal]

Here's what Randy said:

Hello,
Thanks for your note. The polished un-plated is $76.00 It will develop a
patina unless you polish it with brasso about once a moth more of a antique
look. Bright gold is $95.00 and will match what you have. Either will work
and look just fine. It is just your preference.


All The Best,
Randy Allen

[brianf]

Hi Brianf:

Could you clarify what you meant by "having no gold at all"? I'm considering a gold TR2, but I haven't been able to lay my hands on one to check it out too closely.

Thanks,
Charlie
I ordered mine from Elderly, and it was described as being gold plated. #I paid the full price quoted for the gold plated one, but it obviously was not plated. #Just thought everyone should know.

CORRECTION #CORRECTION # CORRECTION[U] #The tailpiece was ordered from Michael Kelley, along with the mandolin.[B][B][U]