Installing a new tailpiece

[trent.727]

I've just bought an Allen tailpiece to replace my OEM tailpiece on a Michael Kelly mandolin. #Is this something a luthier should do, or can it be done at home?

How thick is the wood where the tailpiece is mounted?

The holes do line up exactly, but I want to avoid cracking the wood.

Thanks,

Trent

[Lane Pryce]

Trent just snug up the screws and carry on. You may want to use abit of masking tape on the bridge so as not to totally screw up your intonation. However you may need to tweek the intonation after the new tp is on and the mando is strung up. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif Lp

[bjc]

I switched the tail piece on my MK not too long ago and was surprised at how easy it was. You should not need a luthier. But like JLP said you'll need to play with the intonation. Folk Of the Wood has a good presentation on how to do it.
http://folkofthewood.com/8ppmandobridge/sld001.htm

[steve in tampa]

It is a simple job. 3 screws. Like the other guys said, prepare to set the intonation. The Allen is a factory option on the MKs.

[trent.727]

Thanks guys. I looked at the FOTW url on intonation. I;ll let you know how it turns out.

Trent