Eastman wood tailpiece just broke - how to replace

[m_d]

As the title says, the tailpiece just broke on my Eastman (AR604 model from 2008). A couple of questions:

- Has anyone replaced the wood-covered tailpiece on their Eastmans, and if so, by what?
- I'd like to go for a regular metal tailpiece. There's a "zig-zag" model that would seem to fit (string and pinhole spacings on the bracket appear identical).
- But on a regular tailpiece, the string attachment part is straight, vs diagonal on the Eastman tailpiece. It stands to reason that fitting a "straight" tailpiece could change the character of the guitar, but would the difference be dramatic?

Maybe I'll just bring the whole mess to a professional, and let him sort it out.

Any suggestions much appreciated

[Woody Sound]

As the title says, the tailpiece just broke on my Eastman (AR604 model from 2008). A couple of questions:

- Has anyone replaced the wood-covered tailpiece on their Eastmans, and if so, by what?
- I'd like to go for a regular metal tailpiece. There's a "zig-zag" model that would seem to fit (string and pinhole spacings on the bracket appear identical).
- But on a regular tailpiece, the string attachment part is straight, vs diagonal on the Eastman tailpiece. It stands to reason that fitting a "straight" tailpiece could change the character of the guitar, but would the difference be dramatic?

Maybe I'll just bring the whole mess to a professional, and let him sort it out.

Any suggestions much appreciated

You may be able to get an original from Lou at G&J.

[m_d]

You may be able to get an original from Lou at G&J.

That's an option but I'll probably go for something different.

[Woody Sound]

That's an option but I'll probably go for something different.

Then I wouldn't worry about going from angle to straight, it's only about a 1/2" on either side. I'd be more concerned about the *total* length.

[m_d]

Then I wouldn't worry about going from angle to straight, it's only about a 1/2" on either side. I'd be more concerned about the *total* length.

Thanks, I guess it averages and the length difference is moderate. Meanwhile I read on the Eastman fans forum that Eastman has offeredin the past to send replacements, which would be the more reasonable option, so I to wrote them, but also asked if they knew of other suitable replacements. I'll see what I do. As I don't plan to sell it (it's worth more to me than the market says it is) I thought it might enjoy a new appearance for its second life.

[BBGuitar]

Mine was replaced under lifetime warranty.

It was a common issue with the older ones.

[deacon Mark]

If this were my guitar this is what I would put on it and I believe it will sound better. Since the guitar is gold this is fine the other option is simple Kluson Deluxe.
Guitar Finger Style Tailpiece - GOLD, #FGTP-G | Reverb

[Sam Sherry]

Or go bold: Work that stump!

[m_d]

Just got a not especially friendly or helpful reply from Eastman, the gist of which was, you're on your own. At least I know the new one won't be the Eastman tailpiece.

[Jimmy blue note]

Or go bold: Work that stump!

That makes for quite a long overall string length. Tight?

[Sam Sherry]

That makes for quite a long overall string length. Tight?

IMR The break angle over the bridge wasn't affected, so the feel wasn't 'tighter.'

The overall string length was just short enough to work with a regular D'Addario EJ-21 set.

The guitar now belongs to an El Rey fan here on JG.be.
I've still got my El Rey 4, which is just The Shtuff for me.