Nugget Ajr

**mtucker** · Jun-25-2012, 2:34pm

The old Ajr's were only different than the rest of the A lineup, in that they had fewer frills and appointments, they all were designed and assembled the same basic way...no different than the Model 1 Gilchrist pic that Jim (Garber) posted or the Gil Model 1jr's shown here in this thread...some just got more bric a brac. The dudes and the nuggets have the same kinda neck joint as do most F5's made by today's modern makers. People simply get confused when they see the ramp on the top plate of my Gil F5Jr as opposed to the underside of the fretboard. So when people scratch their head, it's easier to explain in the context of an old A design although, Steve told me that the ramp most closely relates to an early lute.

Here's a pic of a Gibson Loar-era tenor lute owned by Ken ... looks suspiciously similar (see ramp) to my Model5jr. When I first asked him if he could do a 5Jr, he said he'd been noodling the design of one for some time, so I know lots of thought went into it. I think it was a brilliant idea, quit lively and frisky and plenty of volume.

**sgrexa** · Jul-01-2012, 11:33am

Should I install this "factory second" Gilchrist tailpiece or just stick with the clamshell? I would have to plug the holes, but they will be hidden once the new TP is installed? What would you do?

**Glassweb** · Jul-01-2012, 12:14pm

stay original...

**sgrexa** · Jul-01-2012, 12:19pm

Note that the original Elite tuners were replaced with Waverlys so the "originality" is aready compromised somewhat. I still have the Elites.

**sgarrity** · Jul-01-2012, 12:23pm

Have you tried changing strings on it yet? Those clamshells are a royal PAIN! The newer ones I've seen have the regular tailpiece. Go for it!

**mtucker** · Jul-01-2012, 2:06pm

Originally Posted by sgrexa

Should I install this "factory second" Gilchrist tailpiece or just stick with the clamshell? I would have to plug the holes, but they will be hidden once the new TP is installed? What would you do?

You don't have to re-drill the mandolin if you elongate one or two holes in the Gil tailpiece ever so slightly ... the headed screws will cover the holes if you execute with some precision ... don't go all commando with the cordless drill .. just stretch the holes a tad with a drill bit that's slightly smaller than the stock holes on the new tailpiece .. be sure to set the new tailpiece on there and be accurate with your markings, before reaching for the Makita. if you have a drill press, that would be better, easier. Also, the angle of the tailpiece will likely have to be dealt with once mounted to the mandolin. Go to James (AXIOM) website for instructions on setting the angle of the tailpiece. This might be a better project for a repair guy you trust if you're uncomfortable with your own skillz ..it's not a tough task, otherwise.

**sgrexa** · Jul-01-2012, 5:53pm

Originally Posted by mtucker

You don't have to re-drill the mandolin if you elongate one or two holes in the Gil tailpiece ever so slightly ... the headed screws will cover the holes if you execute with some precision ... don't go all commando with the cordless drill .. just stretch the holes a tad with a drill bit that's slightly smaller than the stock holes on the new tailpiece .. be sure to set the new tailpiece on there and be accurate with your markings, before reaching for the Makita. if you have a drill press, that would be better, easier. Also, the angle of the tailpiece will likely have to be dealt with once mounted to the mandolin. Go to James (AXIOM) website for instructions on setting the angle of the tailpiece. This might be a better project for a repair guy you trust if you're uncomfortable with your own skillz ..it's not a tough task, otherwise.

So I take it you have done this? I think I am going to do it myself, and if I run into any kind of hairy situation, I can always run it over to my repair guy. Thanks!

**mtucker** · Jul-01-2012, 7:01pm

Originally Posted by sgrexa

So I take it you have done this?

and i've stayed at a holiday inn express with KISS.

have fun and go slooooowwwwww...

**pjlama** · Jul-03-2012, 12:31am

Do it. If you're scared send it to me, I'm not afraid to get me hands dirty. The clam shell is lame.

**blauserk** · Jul-03-2012, 10:18pm

I would have no qualms about putting the new tailpiece on--the thing was made to be played--but if you have doubts about doing the work yourself, err on the side of giving it to someone you trust. That mandolin is a masterpiece, and it hurt me to sell it. It's not out of the question that I'd buy it back some day.

**sgrexa** · Jul-23-2012, 12:58pm

Originally Posted by blauserk

I would have no qualms about putting the new tailpiece on--the thing was made to be played--but if you have doubts about doing the work yourself, err on the side of giving it to someone you trust. That mandolin is a masterpiece, and it hurt me to sell it. It's not out of the question that I'd buy it back some day.

Yeah, the holes do line up, but it sets the angle all wrong. Had my repair guy, Pete Brown at South Jersey Guitar Repair, plug with mahogany dowels and do it right. This instrument already had the orig. elite tuners replaced with Waverlies. Not sure if those holes lined up, but don't really care! I would think 9 out ten people looking at a Gilchrist Model 1 with upgraded Waverlys and Gil tailpiece, with no visible signs of replacement, would look at that as an upgrade.

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**sgrexa** · Jul-23-2012, 1:24pm

Hey John! I didn't realize that was you! Love this mandolin, thanks! No regrets on the new TP at all, love it!

**Perry** · Jul-23-2012, 2:24pm

Originally Posted by sgrexa

Should I install this "factory second" Gilchrist tailpiece or just stick with the clamshell? I would have to plug the holes, but they will be hidden once the new TP is installed? What would you do?

That looks like my Model 1 that I sold; it was #637. If indeed that was mine the Waverly's were installed by Bob Jones of Brooklyn.

The clam shell was a pain but not so bad to deal with monthly or less frequent string changes

**sgrexa** · Jul-23-2012, 3:25pm

Hey Perry, yes it is #637 and is in good hands! Did I miss you down the shore? Was just down yesterday!

**jjboone101** · Sep-10-2012, 9:39am

I got to play one of these Nugget A-Jr models at the Wheatland Festival in Michigan for a short bit this past weekend and all I can say is WOW. Wonderful tone, great fit and finish. A bit simple visually but all of that fades away the second you begin playing it. Mike K. (Nugget himself) was there with it and I believe it was completed in 2010. Another highlight was getting to sit 10' in front of Joe Walsh (Gibson Brothers) as he played this same Nugget during a mando workshop in the pines. Man, that cat made it sing! Joe was borrowing the Nugget for a bit and it was a real treat to hear him play it.

**fatt-dad** · Sep-10-2012, 10:57am

I prefer the look of the cloud on those Gilchrist Model 1 mandolins. Heck, what's the problem with the string change? I mean it's only a problem like once or twice a year. . .

f-d

**Tom Sanderson** · Sep-11-2012, 7:54am

Originally Posted by jjboone101

I got to play one of these Nugget A-Jr models at the Wheatland Festival in Michigan for a short bit this past weekend and all I can say is WOW. Wonderful tone, great fit and finish. A bit simple visually but all of that fades away the second you begin playing it. Mike K. (Nugget himself) was there with it and I believe it was completed in 2010. Another highlight was getting to sit 10' in front of Joe Walsh (Gibson Brothers) as he played this same Nugget during a mando workshop in the pines. Man, that cat made it sing! Joe was borrowing the Nugget for a bit and it was a real treat to hear him play it.

I went back home to Michigan last week and also went to Wheatland Festival. I brought my Nugget Ajr with me and left it with Mike, so he had 2 of them there. They are both amazing Mandolins, and I love the new Nugget tailpiece.