Custom tailpiece

**Chris Oliver** · May-17-2012, 3:52pm

Hello,

I'm building a couple Sobell style mandolins and am nearing completion. I would like to add a custom tailpiece to each.

Who do you recommend? Link to photos of their work also if available.

thanks,
chris

**JEStanek** · May-17-2012, 7:54pm

Brain Dean has made several custom pieces using the lost wax method. His site.

Jamie

**Ben Milne** · May-18-2012, 4:21am

I think John Hamlett's tailpieces are quite elegant.

**JEStanek** · May-18-2012, 7:48am

I completely agree about John's tailpieces. In fact I have one on my Jack Spira built mandolin. John's design is elegant and quite functional. He just doesn't make them himself. In fact, if I'm not mistaken, I think he's having Brian make them now.

Another person who makes their own tailpieces is Keith Newell. Photos on his FB page.

Jamie

**Ben Milne** · May-18-2012, 8:54am

There you go... Brian's the man. I guess being lost wax cast, items would be fully customisable.

**sunburst** · May-18-2012, 10:22am

Brian casts my tailpieces from my design. He does the same for others, we did the work of designing and carving the wax or making our prototypes, and Brian does the casting. If you want a custom design done, Brian might do that too, but I'm not sure if he offers that as a service. If so, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him because he has a great eye for design, but if not you may have to do your own design, or hire out the design part of the project.

**Chris Oliver** · May-18-2012, 10:33am

Wow... Brian's doing some great work and casting John's excellent tailpieces, extra credit. I had corresponded with Keith early in my build about a custom tailpiece, he's doing great looking tailpieces (and instruments) as well, but haven't been able to get in contact with him recently... maybe he's out of town?

Thanks for the ideas. Let me know if there are any more out there.