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Thread: Can I get-rid of the end-pin on Godin A8?

  1. #1
    Registered User Sevelos's Avatar
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    Default Can I get-rid of the end-pin on Godin A8?

    The question:
    Can I remove the end-pin from the tailpiece of my Godin A8 mandolin, or is it needed in order to keep the tailpiece in place?
    BTW - this is not the original Godin A8 end-pin, it is from a Dunlop Straplok.

    The story:
    I have many street performances and have to carry with me an amp, a bouzouki, a mandolin and a bag with two instrument-stands and a foot-rest. This is heavy.
    I decided to reduce the weight of anything I can.
    I have replaced the hard-shell case of my bouzouki with a very light gig-bag, and it's magic! Way more comfortable.
    I would now like to use a much lighter gig-bag for my Godin A8 mandolin instead of the original heavy gig-bag.
    The problem is that the A8 mandolin is quite heavy (it has a semi-hollow body) and when it is in a gig-bag on my back, practically all the weight of the mandolin rests on its end-pin. I am afraid that after an hour or so the endpin will make a hole in a regular gig-bag (which is not built to handle this). As I almost never play standing-up, I would like to simply remove the end-pin, but I am afraid that it helps to keep the tailpiece in place.
    Can I just remove the end-pin?

    Here are some pictures:
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  2. #2
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Can I get-rid of the end-pin on Godin A8?

    The screws should be holding the tailpiece in place. The end pin simply goes through it. There are tailpieces that have been used for decades that don't have an end pin hole.
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    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
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  4. #3
    Likes quaint instruments poul hansen's Avatar
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    Default Re: Can I get-rid of the end-pin on Godin A8?

    Most endplates are just secured by 3 screws but to be extra sure, you can take the endpin out and if it secures the plate, then just put in a normal screw, or shorten the existing and put it back in again.

    Most of the force on the endplate is taken up by the 90 degree angle of the metal anyway and not by the screws.
    Kentucky KM-805..........2 Hora M1086 Portuguese II(1 in car)
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    '`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`' Jacob's Avatar
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    Default Re: Can I get-rid of the end-pin on Godin A8?

    Rather than remove the end pin, I would just pad it with a small piece of sponge or styrofoam to protect the gigbag.

  7. #5
    Registered User liestman's Avatar
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    Default Re: Can I get-rid of the end-pin on Godin A8?

    Like Jacob said, leave the end pin alone. I would glue a little strip of leather on the inside of the gig bag to protect it. High quality gig bags are usually done this way.
    John Liestman -
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  9. #6
    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
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    Question Re: Can I get-rid of the end-pin on Godin A8?

    a question of seeking permission or questioning your ability remains..

    the electric jack is not there?
    writing about music
    is like dancing,
    about architecture

  10. #7
    Registered User Sevelos's Avatar
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    Default Re: Can I get-rid of the end-pin on Godin A8?

    So, as many people here wrote that the endpin is not supporting the tailpiece, I decided to remove it.
    The endpin had a thick rubber washer between it and the tailpiece. I am not sure whether that is conclusive, but in my opinion it strongly suggests that the endpin does not support the tailpiece, otherwise I would have expected a tight metallic washer.
    Well... So far, so good. The tailpiece did not fly off. Yet.
    Thanks everybody for your replies.

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