Trinity College mods follow-up?

[Mike Anderson]

I have seen a few posts where people had stated they were going to mod their TC bouzoukis for unison basses and/or tailpieces that could accommodate ball end strings. Has anyone actually gone through with these procedures, and if so can you please let me know how they turned out? Any damage incurred as a result of heavier tension?

If the reports are good, I'll definitely pull the trigger; I'm still a few years out from a luthier instrument, and in the meantime would like to try this.

Thanks in advance!

[Rob Meyer]

I swapped out the original TC tailpiece with an Allen AR-2 which takes ball end or loop end strings. Holes lined up with the original as advertised and installation went without a hitch. I also changed over to unison stringing and experienced no problems; no need for any change in setup. I made certain that the strings had the the same tension as the originals, so a change in tension was not an issue. Just had to widen the saddle and nut slots which I did with the appropriate nut files.

[Mike Anderson]

I swapped out the original TC tailpiece with an Allen AR-2 which takes ball end or loop end strings. Holes lined up with the original as advertised and installation went without a hitch. I also changed over to unison stringing and experienced no problems; no need for any change in setup. I made certain that the strings had the the same tension as the originals, so a change in tension was not an issue. Just had to widen the saddle and nut slots which I did with the appropriate nut files.

That's all fantastic news, thanks very much Rob. Do you mind telling me what strings and tuning you use?

[Rob Meyer]

Actually, I no longer own the instrument as I sold it a few years ago. I know I had it tuned GDAD. However, I do not remember what the string gauges were. I'll poke around and see if I can find a record somewhere.

[Mike Anderson]

Actually, I no longer own the instrument as I sold it a few years ago. I know I had it tuned GDAD. However, I do not remember what the string gauges were. I'll poke around and see if I can find a record somewhere.

Thanks! If it doesn't turn up immediately don't worry, I tend to prefer pretty light strings anyway.

[Rob Meyer]

Found a slip of paper and it looks like I used 40 wound, 26 wound, 16 plain, 12 plain at some point. Think it is close and possibly what I finally settled on.

[garryireland]

I used the same on my ozark bt have 39s on the buchanan, funny though im getting pains in my index fgpgnger after i play, aox id

[garryireland]

Index finger,any idea what causes that

[luthierseye]

I used the same on my ozark bt have 39s on the buchanan, funny though im getting pains in my index fgpgnger after i play, aox id

I had finger pain a few years ago and a friend, who is a Naturopathic Physician, advised me to take vitamin B6 daily. problem solved for me. It might help you. Let us know.

[Eddie Sheehy]

Guinness is a good B6 supplement...

[garryireland]

guinness is a good b6 supplement...

it works!!!

[Mike Anderson]

Guinness is a good B6 supplement...

B6 or no, I find it does a good job on most any pain.

[garryireland]

i have heard with a lot of these range of zouks that a Red Henry type bridge and cast bronze tailpiece can transform them. with the proper set up of course

[Colin Lindsay]

B6 or no, I find it does a good job on most any pain.

Except that of the heart….

[Mike Anderson]

Except that of the heart….

Oh, THAT. It's true - but music helps. Between the two we should have all bases covered.