View Full Version : A-Jr tailpiece
Does anyone know where I can find a replacement clamshell tailpiece for an old gibson A-Jr.? If I need to I suppose I can get one with a coverplate, but will those holes fit? I saw one at Greg Boyd's that says "The Gibson" in the old style script, that'd do, but I'd prefer a repro clamshell.
One of the tines on the "g" broke, so I'm piggybacking 2 strings on one.
Thanks in advance,
Neal
As an aside, go see Mike Compton and David Long if you can. They've replaced Batman and Robin for me.
Mike Bunting
Aug-03-2004, 4:48pm
Does it need to be an exact replica?, I replaced the old tailpiece on my A jr with one from Keith Newell, who's on the list. They are a great match for this old mando, work great and they look like they belong on the instrument.
Mike
Well, I'm gonna exhaust all avenues for a repro first, then I'll figure something out. Keith's are nice, but I want a more solid look.
Thanks,
Neal
keithd
Aug-05-2004, 1:59pm
Neal,
I love those old clamshell tailpieces. I tried for a long time to find one for an old Martin bowlback I've got in restoration by trolling eBay for cheap wall-hangers for their tailpiece. I think that's your best bet. If it's the string prong that's needing the fixing, but you've got the clamshell cover in hand, you're way ahead of the game; that's the rare part. You may be able to fit it on any old Gibson tailpiece base section, or on the modern repro. If you're doubling up strings on one prong, there's probably no harm done.
Good luck with the search,
Keith
GTison
Aug-05-2004, 2:56pm
do you have the cover?
grandmainger
Aug-05-2004, 3:11pm
Newbie question: What's an "A Jr" ?
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif
Bowfinger, yep, I have the coverpiece. #Grandmainger, #it's a Gibson A-jr. #A- style oval hole from the 20's. #It was Gibson's "starter" mandolin. # OOOH, and she's a beaut! See her #here. (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=15;t=16445)
Keith, you're right I think I'll troll ebay, never thought of looking for junk mandos for parts, it's probably gonna be the only way I'll find one, thanks!
Ah, what the heck, I'll reply here, too.
Got the tailpiece, ebay-11.00. Hope it works, and thanks all
keithd
Sep-24-2004, 11:30am
Hey - that's great news; your perseverance is inspiring! Perhaps I'll go back to trying to find a tailpeice for my old Martin bowlback...
Keith
Bill Snyder
Nov-14-2004, 9:28pm
Don't know if anyone is interested but here is an auction for some tailpieces. Auction. (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=22669&item=3761303899&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW)
ethanopia
Nov-15-2004, 6:13am
Thanks for that link there Bill I've been keeping my eye out for an A-Jr Clamshell Cover I have the original TP but not the cover for my Snakehead, I may jump in there and bid when I get home tonight.
That auction also contains a Mandolin Banjo TP that just broke off on my Slingerland Manjolin, coinkydink, I think not!
-Ethan
Bill Snyder
Nov-15-2004, 8:47pm
Ethan
I see that you did not win. Here is another auction (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=3762445388&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT) for some replica tailpieces. Don't know if there is anything you need or not.
Good hunting.
I think that the ajr "cloud tailpiece" cover design has modern near-exact repros. It was common on non-gibsons back in the day as well.. I'm not positive but I seem to recall Stahl & Vega mandolins that used that cover.. Have you checked www.stewmac.com and other "part dealers" ?
The cloud tailpieces I've seen on martins and bowlbacks, but you can't find them as repros anywhere. There are some one piece cloud covers, but not the 2 piece ones from the a-jrs. If you do find a repro, I'd appreciate a heads up. The one I got, photo above is a little bent and just doesnt' fit the holes.