Allen TR1 tailpiece vs. Orrico

[grandcanyonminstrel]

Does anyone have any experience with the cast Orrico tailpieces? In particular, I'm interested in removing an Allen TR1 and installing the Orrico- do the screw holes line up, or do they have something non-standard that will have to be filled and plugged first? Any other thoughts on one vs the other? Nice to get a heads up on this before the new one gets ordered...Thanks for the help.

j.
www.condino.com

[Ivan Kelsall]

The ads.for the Orrico t/p say that they can replace a 'standard' t/p. I assume then that the Orrico hole pattern is as per a 'standard' t/p as is the Allen. You shouldn't have any problem swapping them over - but why change the Allen ??,
Ivan

[JEStanek]

If the holes are the same, it might be worth it to try a swap. I bet the masses are similar. I think folks like the Allen b/c it can accommodate ball end strings (dola and OM more than mandolin). I wonder if the Orrico will hold a ball in the space between the prongs? I prefer the looks of the Orrico over the Allen... I think with more modern designs like your Cricket something like John Hamlett's tailpiece might fit quite well too.

Jamie

[Lefty Luthier]

Another alternative for a cast bronze tailpiece. It will take either loop or ball end strings and can have any sort of decorative disk installed. Take this as a shameless plug for my custom tailpiece,which has been reserved for my custom build customers but is now available in sufficient quantity to offer to others.

[fishtownmike]

I'm curious what problems you have with the Allen tailpiece. Or is it just you prefer the looks of the orrico? Just currious since i was gonna switch to an allen TR1. I like the look of the orrico but don't like that it just comes in bronze...Mike

[grandcanyonminstrel]

Tailpieces and the rest of the fittings are like jewlery or other fashion accessories. They have utility, but they can also have style. Some folks still walk around in their knee high tube socks with big bold stripes, trapped in the 70s; others change them out on a regular basis to spice up things and change it up a bit. I probably use ten different tailpiece designs- some of my own and a bunch of the commercial options, it just depends on the day and the customer. I've actually got one of my own that should be available commercially next year.

Lefty, yours looks great!

j.
www.condino.com

[frankenstein]

not sure about the Allen, but easy changeover from a standard T/P. Sturdy i'd say, just have to bend the loops a little when stringing.. Marraca's optional.

[Scott Austin]

I changed from an Orrico to an Allen ,the screws lined up just fine.
Changing strings on the Orrico is a pain.

[Patrick Sylvest]

Using the orrico and the loop bending seems to be universal. It's got good mass and great looks.