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Thread: Sourcing Custom Trapeze Tailpieces (Archtop Guitar Style)

  1. #1

    Default Sourcing Custom Trapeze Tailpieces (Archtop Guitar Style)

    Hi all,

    I'm in the process of having three Loar L5 Archtop guitar style instruments built, and the thing that is giving me the most trouble is the trapeze style tailpieces. The instruments are a smaller bodied tenor (4 strings), a 6 string, and a 10 string mandocello (Liuto Cantabile/Moderno).

    At this point, my thinking is in order to get them all to match I should have at least the string bar custom machined. It seems like a fairly straightforward project for a machinist, but a machinist I am not so that is a guess. The best solution I've seen is what Collings is using:

    Click image for larger version. 

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    I've been in contact with the company that makes them for Collings, but it isn't financially feasible to have 3 singular tailpieces made.

    My thought is that the string bar is the important part. All three would use the same stock and profile, with custom lengths and custom string holes depending on the instrument it is for. From there I can use pre-existing trapeze tailpiece parts for the rest and add my custom string bars.

    My only hesitation there is the string tension on the 10 string 'cello and the gauge of the sheet metal used to attach to the body of the instrument. My guess is standard gauge would be fine, but we are talking a fair bit of tension involved.

    I'm thinking nickel plated brass for these custom string bars.

    All this to say, does anyone have any leads or experience?

    Thanks!
    Baron Collins-Hill
    MandoLessons: Free Online Mandolin Lessons
    Velocipede: My Fiddle Tune Duo
    Old Time Mandolin: Solo Old Time Mandolin Album

  2. #2
    Registered User William Smith's Avatar
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    Default Re: Sourcing Custom Trapeze Tailpieces (Archtop Guitar Style)

    Contact archtop.com, I believe they can get you what ya need or point you in the right direction.

  3. #3

    Default Re: Sourcing Custom Trapeze Tailpieces (Archtop Guitar Style)

    Quote Originally Posted by William Smith View Post
    Contact archtop.com, I believe they can get you what ya need or point you in the right direction.
    Great idea, I'll reach out!

    Thanks,
    Baron
    MandoLessons: Free Online Mandolin Lessons
    Velocipede: My Fiddle Tune Duo
    Old Time Mandolin: Solo Old Time Mandolin Album

  4. #4
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    Default Re: Sourcing Custom Trapeze Tailpieces (Archtop Guitar Style)

    I have had Andrew Mowry make me some beautiful ebony tenor crosspieces. Complete with inner metal stop plates. Very easy to work with and very nice quality at a good price. You can find the trapeze and tailpiece pretty easily from China on the bay but be prepared for plating over the thread requiring chasing. I don't know if Bezdez is still around but he had some nice trapeze's a while back.

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  6. #5
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    Default Re: Sourcing Custom Trapeze Tailpieces (Archtop Guitar Style)

    I make mine out of ebony using the trapeze tailpieces. I'm sure Andrew will make some really nice ones.
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  7. #6
    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: Sourcing Custom Trapeze Tailpieces (Archtop Guitar Style)

    Would not that be the responsibility of the builder?
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

  8. #7

    Default Re: Sourcing Custom Trapeze Tailpieces (Archtop Guitar Style)

    Quote Originally Posted by Charles E. View Post
    Would not that be the responsibility of the builder?
    I'm asking for some pretty specific hardware that doesn't exist and have a vision in my head, so I'm more than happy to do some scouting, they are also on the case.

    Thanks
    Baron
    MandoLessons: Free Online Mandolin Lessons
    Velocipede: My Fiddle Tune Duo
    Old Time Mandolin: Solo Old Time Mandolin Album

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