Mandolin Glossary

Search alphabetically using these links:

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z - Home

Tailpiece

Standard Gibson style tailpiece

The tailpiece is the area where the strings attach to the instrument below the bridge or at the base of the instrument (as opposed to the headstock). The most basic tailpiece has a cover which slips off to accommodate attaching the strings.

Although tailpiece designs and tailpiece covers vary widely in design and appearance, all serve the purpose of attaching the strings to one end of the instrument so they can be placed under tension.

Some modern tailpieces such as the Monteleone, Allen and others function completely without a tailpiece cover, and innovative designs such as those by innovator Bill James combine the tailpiece and cover within the same design element.

The tailpiece typically has a hole through which an endpin is inserted, making the attachment of a mandolin strap possible.

Authored by: Mandolin Cafe

Email article Printer friendly Share on Facebook Share on Twitter