Replacement Tailpiece

[mrmando2015]

Hi,
I have an older Trinity College octave mandolin that needs a new tailpiece. I broke one of the g string hooks during my last string change. I ordered a Golden Gate Tailpiece on the suggestion of someone at Saga Instruments, but unfortunately it doesn't fit right. The arrangement of the holes for the screw and endpin matches the old tailpiece but they are placed in a different enough position on the tailpiece that it will not fit without drilling new holes in the mandolin.
Does anyone know of a tailpiece that fits a Japanese made TC Octave (with a fleur de lis headstock inlay)? Or does anyone have any advice on changing tailpieces? I do not want to drill holes in my mandolin. I considered having a shop do the job, but I have not found one near me that is is willing. Open to suggestions in the Salem OR area.
Thanks
Nick

[multidon]

Unfortunately there is no standard, and it is very common for screw holes not to line up. Sometimes if you’re lucky you can use one, really super lucky two. And even if all three line up the end pin may not. To me it’s more important to get the end pin right, because it’s a bigger hole. For those tiny screw holes, I don’t think it’s a big deal to just plug them up with toothpicks and wood glue, then drill new holes. The new tailpiece usually covers the work anyway. Of course, if you don’t feel up to it, you could get a shop to do it for you.

There is such a thing as a “Standard Gibson Three Hole” pattern, and some companies advertise that the replacement is “drop in” or “no drill”. My experience is, often these do not work absolutely perfectly, either. But you could get lucky. It’s a crap shoot.

It could be a good opportunity to upgrade to a one piece cast tailpiece. They make string changes easier. Some of them advertise that they use a standard three hole pattern and are drop in replacements. Most Allen tailpieces are like thatexcept the original model. Imported “AXL” tailpieces supposedly use the standard pattern. However, you just never know.

[Folkmusician.com]

The AXL screw holes are standard but the end pin location is not.

[mrmando2015]

The AXL screw holes are standard but the end pin location is not.

That seems to be the case. The end pin on this mandolin is about 1/8 - 3/16" further away from the top than what the Golden Gate tailpiece will fit.

[rowka]

Is it a true end pin with a tapered hole, or a screwed on strap button?

[mrmando2015]

There is a strap button that screws on to the pin that goes into the body. The pin appears to be a non functioning pick-up plug in. It will accept my standard size amp cord.