Gold-Plating an L5 Type Tailpiece?

[lawson-stone]

I recently picked up a tailpiece that is very similar to the L5, but the gold plate is pretty much worn off the front. I was wondering if anyone knows how to get that re-plated? We have a custom jeweler in our little town and I wondered if he does that.

The insert also is usually kind of an enamel color when i see them on guitars, but this one is metal. Do people just paint that for the cream/enamel color or is that a plating too?

I don't know yet whether I'll use this tailpiece on my Epiphone Broadway or just put it up for sale.

[Hammertone]

…[ ]...I was wondering if anyone knows how to get that re-plated? We have a custom jeweler in our little town and I wondered if he does that…[ ]...

The tp is probably brass. In order for it to be gold-plated, it was nickel-plated, then gold-plated over the nickel. So it should be very easy to re-plate. Your custom jeweler should certainly know who does small batch gold-plating.

…[ ]...The insert also is usually kind of an enamel color when i see them on guitars, but this one is metal. Do people just paint that for the cream/enamel color or is that a plating too? …[ ]...

Cream/enamel is paint, not plating. Here's the front and back of a similar Japanese tailpiece w/painted insert.

[neatomic]

try looking up a trophy store in your town...they usually plate or will tell you who might...

check near a bowling alley!! haha

cheers

[lawson-stone]

Good suggestions all. Actually I'm wondering if I might do better to sell this puppy on e-bay? I kinda like my Epiphone Broadway's quirky "frequensator" tailpiece, so i am not sure what I'd do with this. But I saw it, grabbed it, and thought about it later.

[abelljo]

Gold plating is extremely expensive, I was quoted over 400 dollars for a tailpiece by 2 plating companies specializing in smaller quantities. If you find something inexpensive let me know. I ended up using one of the plating companies, but what they did was remove the old plating and nickel am
nd polishing the brass to a high luster and lacquer coating it. It looks very good.

[vinnyv1k]

You will also need to find a skilled engraver.

[pubylakeg]

Just as an alternative for your Broadway, a few of our forum colleagues have reported good results with the triple parallelogram copies that are on the market right now.

1x Jazz 6 String Guitar Bronze Trapeze Tailpiece Bridge Spacing 10mm Gold | eBay

[lawson-stone]

Just as an alternative for your Broadway, a few of our forum colleagues have reported good results with the triple parallelogram copies that are on the market right now.

1x Jazz 6 String Guitar Bronze Trapeze Tailpiece Bridge Spacing 10mm Gold | eBay

I actually have one of those in my "parts box" but somehow the Frequensator is endearing itself to me!

[pubylakeg]

I like the appearance of the frequensator too. Very evocative, and a unique Epiphone stylistic trademark.

[Jabberwocky]

I don't mind the Frequensator except for the fact that the standard D-string is often too short. Wish the bass-string leg could be longer. I know Sam Booka made his own legs for the Frequensator. Calling out to Sam: how about making a few for us since you have the die and all?

I won't bother plating the L5 tailpiece. I received a quote from a horn-plating outfit in Elkhart, Indiana. It came up to $350 and then I gotta find an engraver. Maureen Maude engraved them for Gibson. I thought I liked the weathered appearance after staring at it.

[Archtop Guy]

Just as an alternative for your Broadway, a few of our forum colleagues have reported good results with the triple parallelogram copies that are on the market right now.

1x Jazz 6 String Guitar Bronze Trapeze Tailpiece Bridge Spacing 10mm Gold | eBay

That looks like a great tailpiece for $30 shipped!

[Archtop Guy]

I don't mind the Frequensator except for the fact that the standard D-string is often too short. Wish the bass-string leg could be longer. I know Sam Booka made his own legs for the Frequensator. Calling out to Sam: how about making a few for us since you have the die and all?

I won't bother plating the L5 tailpiece. I received a quote from a horn-plating outfit in Elkhart, Indiana. It came up to $350 and then I gotta find an engraver. Maureen Maude engraved them for Gibson. I thought I liked the weathered appearance after staring at it.

Isn't Maureen Maude the lady who engraved everything for like 30 years for Gibson? Including the Citations?

[Max405]

The Frequensator is unique and screams EPIPHONE DAMMIT!!, but when you have to change strings, you wonder "who's the practical joker that designed this thing".
I wouldn't spend the money gold plating a knock off. Those same tailpieces are available in China. Reach out to Mr Woo. He has access to them. And they are probably way cheaper than a replate, even if he doubles his cost.

JD

[Woody Sound]

Just as an alternative for your Broadway, a few of our forum colleagues have reported good results with the triple parallelogram copies that are on the market right now.

1x Jazz 6 String Guitar Bronze Trapeze Tailpiece Bridge Spacing 10mm Gold | eBay

I would like that on the ES-275 Montreux instead of the zig-zag.

[lawson-stone]

I would like that on the ES-275 Montreux instead of the zig-zag.

It wouldn't fit--the end is almost 3.5 inches. I imagine it could be expertly trimmed, but the holes would not line up.

I"m thinking about putting it on my Loar LH650, you know, dress up a cheap date!

[Woody Sound]

It wouldn't fit--the end is almost 3.5 inches. I imagine it could be expertly trimmed, but the holes would not line up.

Yeah, what I meant was, I would have liked Gibson to use that design for them instead of the zig-zag.

[lawson-stone]

Yeah, what I meant was, I would have liked Gibson to use that design for them instead of the zig-zag.

Oh yes indeed! Wouldn't that look classy! Like the L4ces which I compare to a Mercedes convertible.

[lawson-stone]

Yeah, what I meant was, I would have liked Gibson to use that design for them instead of the zig-zag.

you know, I've seen some Les Paul type guitars with that tailpiece. Sets a mind to working...

[lawson-stone]

Yeah, what I meant was, I would have liked Gibson to use that design for them instead of the zig-zag.

They DID use that tailpiece on the thin-line L-5s.

1974 Gibson L5-S | Garys Classic Guitars & Vintage Guitars

[neatomic]

always liked the L-5s...

pat martino



cheers

[Greentone]

Lawson,

Have you seen the two different Matsumoku-made Epiphone Emperors from the 70s/80s? One had the L-5 tailpiece and the other had the frequensator. Hmm? I always liked the one with the L-5 tailpiece:

[lawson-stone]

Lawson,

Have you seen the two different Matsumoku-made Epiphone Emperors from the 70s/80s? One had the L-5 tailpiece and the other had the frequensator. Hmm? I always liked the one with the L-5 tailpiece:

Unfortunately my Epiphone has the 3 inch body and this tailpiece has an end-flange that is 3.43" or I might consider it.

It might actually be possible to grind the excess off of the end-flange and use it, though the opening for the strap button would be really low.

What do you think?

[wintermoon]

if you alter it, it'll be tough to sell down the road if you decide to do so.
I'd either just keep it for another guitar or sell it.

[Greentone]

That tailpiece just isn't going to work with that guitar. It's not a matter of grinding part of the flange off. The hole for the endpin will be WAY off center, too. Keep the guitar original and sell the tailpiece--or horde it. (Says the inveterate horder)

[lawson-stone]

That tailpiece just isn't going to work with that guitar. It's not a matter of grinding part of the flange off. The hole for the endpin will be WAY off center, too. Keep the guitar original and sell the tailpiece--or horde it. (Says the inveterate horder)

Oh I'm a hoarder all right! But when I see what these things go for on eBay, if you can even find one, I think hmmm, I could use the cash to buy something ELSE... to hoard ...