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Thread: Tailpiece

  1. #1
    Registered User J Mangio's Avatar
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    Default Tailpiece

    I'm thinking of changing my tailpiece to a Allen, any thoughts on particular model.
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  2. #2

    Default Re: Tailpiece

    I've only used one, a bright nickel TR-2. It takes sleeve wear well and is easy to keep clean. When I went to order a second one for my next build, they wanted $20 for shipping, pushing the cost to $130 (they may be a little less on ebay). I decided to to spend a little more and get a James, which is a terrific piece of engineering. If you change strings very much, the James is definitely worth it IMO.

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  4. #3
    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tailpiece

    From What? there are 2 different 'footprints' the stamped Gibson type larger,
    small to bigger better* than big to smaller..
    *though Plugging and re drilling may be required (Been there done that; Lebeda to a James TP)
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  5. #4
    Registered User J Mangio's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tailpiece

    Quote Originally Posted by mandroid View Post
    From What? there are 2 different 'footprints' the stamped Gibson type larger,
    small to bigger better* than big to smaller..
    *though Plugging and re drilling may be required (Been there done that; Lebeda to a James TP)
    Changing the stock stamped tailpiece, Allen indicated their mounting holes and endpin will align up with the stamped type.
    2021 The Loar LM700 VS

  6. #5
    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
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    Question Re: Tailpiece

    Guess you answered your own Question ..
    writing about music
    is like dancing,
    about architecture

  7. #6
    Registered User J Mangio's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tailpiece

    Yes...I'm leaning toward Allen, I'm interested hearing pro and con of different models.
    2021 The Loar LM700 VS

  8. #7

    Default Re: Tailpiece

    I have a TR1 and a TR3. They are almost identical in function, just slight casting differences. I like the way they look and they are functional enough because I don't change strings too often and when I do I pull the string taught and wrap around the string post a few times and then through the post hole so I have no issues with strings coming off the post. (I used to use blue fun tack to hold the string when I used to wind on strings. I also bought a used Allen Monteleone copy but I haven't installed it yet. The TR2 looks like a Collings tailpiece. It's a quality part and I like the weight. I'd buy them again, especially if you I can get it used. There is a gold Collings that just popped up in the classified.
    Rob

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  10. #8
    Registered User CWRoyds's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tailpiece

    I have an Allen on one mandolin and a James on the other.
    The James is superior to me.

    The Allen is a nice tailpiece, and works just fine.
    My issue with it is that you have to use a capo to hold the string on the loop while you string it up, or it pops off.

    For me the James is just MUCH better, mainly because of the hinged door that closes on the strings.
    When you are changing strings, you just attach the string to the loop and then close the door.
    It holds the string in place while you string up. No issues at all.
    You also don't need grommets to stop resonance behind the bridge, as the James has felt built into it.
    It is pretty too.
    Mandolins: Northfield 5-Bar Artist Model "Old Dog", J Bovier F5 Special, Gibson A-00 (1940)
    Fiddles: 1920s Strad copy, 1930s Strad copy, Liu Xi T20, Liu Xi T19+ Dark.
    Guitars: Taylor 514c (1995), Gibson Southern Jumbo (1940s), Gibson L-48 (1940s), Les Paul Custom (1978), Fender Strat (Black/RWFB) (1984), Fender Strat (Candy Apple Red/MFB) (1985).
    Sitars: Hiren Roy KP (1980s), Naskar (1970s), Naskar (1960s).
    Misc: 8 Course Lute (L.K.Brown)

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  12. #9
    Registered User J Mangio's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tailpiece

    Thanks for your input folks, I've decided on the Allen AR-2 in bright gold.
    2021 The Loar LM700 VS

  13. #10
    Registered User J Mangio's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tailpiece

    I ordered the AR 2 this week, and got a refund yesterday, Bright Gold is out of stock everywhere I look, the sales person at Allen told me to call back in a month, must be a hot item.
    I'd look at the James if it came in Bright Gold.
    2021 The Loar LM700 VS

  14. #11

    Default Re: Tailpiece

    There is one in classified right now for$110.00. Used

  15. #12
    Registered User J Mangio's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tailpiece

    Unfortunately the James comes in matte finish.
    2021 The Loar LM700 VS

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