MartyGrass Posted March 4, 2013 Posted March 4, 2013 My Super Eagle has a tailpiece that is designed to hold the strings only by tension. The ball easily slides out of place if there is a release in string tension and sometimes pops out during the initial tuning of a new set of strings. This TP design is about 80 years old and has been used in Gibson's early archtops. Here's a pic of an old L5 TP. Note that the string slot does not have any means to retain the ball except tension and slight friction. Over years, the slot edge can become rounded and is even less secure. This one looks like there is more of a lip on the slots to hold better. I've asked my luthier to improve the Gibson/Heritage design. He plans to drill small concavities that will capture the ball. He has an old tailpiece that he will practice on before working on mine. That is very thoughtful. While he has the guitar, I've asked him to put some gold pickup covers on it. I happen to have a new pair. I doubt they will look good, but they didn't cost me anything. If they do look good, I'll have to find gold screws.
Keith7940236 Posted March 4, 2013 Posted March 4, 2013 Really my only complaint about my Golden Eagle, Mahogany Eagle and Eagle TDC were the tailpieces. Once the string tension is applied, the ball stayed in place. I did, however, have several strings come loose as I was tightening them up. Other than the finger style, which appears to have a retaining edge, does Heritage offer another option for new archtop style guitars?
MartyGrass Posted March 4, 2013 Author Posted March 4, 2013 Heritage will put the ebony Benedetto style TP on. You need to know that the strings will not be grounded, meaning you won't silence the hum by touching the strings. There are workarounds for this, however. The Allparts TP that is used on the H530 retains strings well, as does this: Then there is always a Bigsby.
Steiner Posted March 4, 2013 Posted March 4, 2013 I know what you mean about a tight fitting tail piece. Especially one that cups the balls. I applaud your efforts to find a golden screw. I spent many years looking. 'Tis a valiant effort. Let us know if you find what you're looking for. Remember, pictures or it didn't happen.
2bornot2bop Posted March 4, 2013 Posted March 4, 2013 That SE deserves all the love that can be given to it. With all the black accents on the guitar already it appears perfectly balanced already. Mark is in the tinkering mode apparently. I can relate. But do the gold plated pup covers perfectly match the shade on the tailpiece? If not, that could look a bit funky. But then again, when the covers get faded they don't match either. My issue is I continually snap treble strings simply while detuning them...can't figure out what that's about.
MartyGrass Posted March 4, 2013 Author Posted March 4, 2013 That SE deserves all the love that can be given to it. With all the black accents on the guitar already it appears perfectly balanced already. Mark is in the tinkering mode apparently. I can relate. But do the gold plated pup covers perfectly match the shade on the tailpiece? If not, that could look a bit funky. But then again, when the covers get faded they don't match either. My issue is I continually snap treble strings simply while detuning them...can't figure out what that's about. I figure I'll switch back to the black covers but wanted to at least see what the gold covers look like on it. Switching the covers is very easy during a string change.
H Posted March 4, 2013 Posted March 4, 2013 I know what you mean about a tight fitting tail piece. Especially one that cups the balls. I applaud your efforts to find a golden screw. I spent many years looking. 'Tis a valiant effort. A valiant effort indeed, Mr Steiner, and it did not go unnoticed
MartyGrass Posted March 4, 2013 Author Posted March 4, 2013 A valiant effort indeed, Mr Steiner, and it did not go unnoticed I know what you mean about a tight fitting tail piece. Especially one that cups the balls. I applaud your efforts to find a golden screw. I spent many years looking. 'Tis a valiant effort. Let us know if you find what you're looking for. Remember, pictures or it didn't happen. Well, I note that this discussion is on the 9th grade level. That's two grades more mature than I can handle.
H Posted March 4, 2013 Posted March 4, 2013 Back to the OP, I wonder whether a retaining wire, à la ABR bridge, might work for this. It would require a retaining screw at each end of the slots and the string would then be threaded through the aperture created by the string cut-out and the retaining wire. Can you picture that?
MartyGrass Posted March 4, 2013 Author Posted March 4, 2013 I can picture it. Drilling small concavities at the depth of the slot is plan A. If that fails, a retention wire makes sense.
2bornot2bop Posted March 4, 2013 Posted March 4, 2013 I know what you mean about a tight fitting tail piece. Especially one that cups the balls. That almost sounds X-rated. My mind is easily influenced.
Gitfiddler Posted March 4, 2013 Posted March 4, 2013 That SE deserves all the love that can be given to it. With all the black accents on the guitar already it appears perfectly balanced already. Mark is in the tinkering mode apparently. I can relate. But do the gold plated pup covers perfectly match the shade on the tailpiece? If not, that could look a bit funky. But then again, when the covers get faded they don't match either. My issue is I continually snap treble strings simply while detuning them...can't figure out what that's about. If treble strings are snapping, there could be a tiny burr or sharp surface where the strings attach under the tailpiece. Try removing your strings and gently filing the groove where the ball end attaches. Be careful not to file off any visible gold finish on the top of the bail. Tim
58super Posted March 4, 2013 Posted March 4, 2013 A dollar store pink pencil eraser or a folded up paper towel between the top of the guitar and the bottom of tailpiece will hold the string in place when you are changing it until it is brought up to pitch. (Cheap too!)
Guest HRB853370 Posted March 4, 2013 Posted March 4, 2013 I know what you mean about a tight fitting tail piece. Especially one that cups the balls. I applaud your efforts to find a golden screw. I spent many years looking. 'Tis a valiant effort. Let us know if you find what you're looking for. Remember, pictures or it didn't happen. Not trying to read into this Greg, but perhaps it could have been more appropriately phrased??
bolero Posted March 4, 2013 Posted March 4, 2013 What you need on there is a squirrel femur....that'll fix everything right up
Steiner Posted March 4, 2013 Posted March 4, 2013 A valiant effort indeed, Mr Steiner, and it did not go unnoticed Thanks H. That one wrote itself as I read the OP. A dollar store pink pencil eraser or a folded up paper towel between the top of the guitar and the bottom of tailpiece will hold the string in place when you are changing it until it is brought up to pitch. (Cheap too!) That's an excellent idea. I was thinking a rubber band; that can be problematic. The rectangular eraser would serve many functions. I like that.
Yooper Posted March 8, 2013 Posted March 8, 2013 Speaking of tailpieces, are you bored with yours? These are designed for LP specs. Custom made stop tailpieces: http://annarbor.craigslist.org/msg/3602300531.html
Steiner Posted March 8, 2013 Posted March 8, 2013 Speaking of tailpieces, are you bored with yours? These are designed for LP specs. Custom made stop tailpieces: http://annarbor.craigslist.org/msg/3602300531.html Wow!
Gitfiddler Posted March 8, 2013 Posted March 8, 2013 Speaking of tailpieces, are you bored with yours? These are designed for LP specs. Custom made stop tailpieces: http://annarbor.craigslist.org/msg/3602300531.html Want to have some fun? Drop that link over at the LP Forum. It'll make some of the Historic LP purist's heads pop off!! Ha haaa!
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