Tailpieces

Elias Graves · #1 12-30-2010, 10:59 AM

I can understand how switching from a metal tailpiece to a wooden one would change the ound of an archtop. Do different metal models have the same impact or are they all pretty much the same?

EG

oldane · #2 12-31-2010, 10:12 AM

Metal tailpieces vibrate sympathetically with the strings, and that can sometimes be heard as a faint shimmer with no well defined pitch. Sometimes it adds a little "third dimension" and color to the tone of the instrument, sometimes it's too much. If it is too much, one can glue fabric or other material to the backside of the metal to dampen it. Different metal tailpieces has different sympathetic vibrations.

Some luthiers such as Bob Benedetto says that a wood tailpiece makes a big difference to the sound, whereas others such as Mark Campellone don't think it makes such a big difference. Whatever, a wood tailpiece is cheaper to make, because the luthier can make it himself from wood he has in his shop, whereas a custom "signature" metal tailpiece most often has to be made by an outside vendor, then sent to an engraver and finally sent to a gold plater - much more complicated than a wood talpiece. Mark Lacey chages an extra $2500 for putting an engraved gold plated metal tailpiece on his Imperial model instead of an ebony tailpiece.

kris · #3 12-31-2010, 10:48 AM

Some tailpieces are build from wood and metal.
Jazz guitars sounds different...different wood,costruction,pick ups etc...
If guitar is build from very good wood the tailpiece from the wood is OK.
Cheaper guitar can use metal tailpiece and the sound is Ok but not so wooden...:-)

Elias Graves · #4 12-31-2010, 12:35 PM

Thanks. I see some nice looking tailpieces floating around and think it might look good on my 5th Ave and I wonder if I can make the guitar sound even better with an improved tailpiece or if the effect is mostly cosmetic.

EG

docbop · #5 12-31-2010, 12:44 PM

Plus not all metal tailpieces are the same some have more density to them than others. Same with wood is it a dense hard wood or lighter wood. Even the how they attach many wood bridges attach with a strap like violins do. The design aspect length, angle, downward pressure if any. There are lots of factors other than just material. Then how that particular guitar responds to the tailpiece.

kris · #6 12-31-2010, 01:22 PM

Some Ibanez jazz guitars sounds very good with metal tailpieces.
Most of Gibsons use all metal tailpieces.
but....very expesive hand made guitars are from good wood and tailpieces are also from wood/like cello/.