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Was tuning my 1914 'dola last night and the G string popped. Peeled open the tailpiece to discover the little metal prong has given up after 107 years. Others are also bending so they are not long for this world. I keep it tuned to concert pitch. How would you repair this? A James? Something else?
Attachment 196617
That tailpiece base does not appear to be the correct style for a 1914 Gibson. An original would have had 12 prongs, each one shaped rather like an arrowhead. Also, the large rectangular cut out is not typical of a 'teens Gibson tailpiece.
You can go ahead and replace the tailpiece, or just the base if you wish.
I have a modern base which I am not using. Although it is shiny and new, it is the correct style for a 'teens Gibson, and should fit your instrument and the original cover. PM me if you like.
If you'd like to keep the original you could remove the tailpiece base and use a jewelers saw to make two cuts farther down to create a new prong. They don't have to be the same lengths.Quote:
Originally Posted by verbs4us
It's a mandola. I seriously doubt there was an aftermarket in 1914.Quote:
Originally Posted by rcc56
They don't have to point the same direction either. You could cut the two slots in the direction of the neck on the other side of the opening. Then the slots don't have to be as long and no bending is required.Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeEdgerton
Am I mistaken that all vintage Gibson mandolins and mandolas use the same size tailpiece?
The mandolins and mandolas used the same tailpieces in the 1910's. The only way your base might be original is if it the older style with the "pineapple" cover, and I'm not sure about that-- it's been a long time since I've seen one of those, and if your instrument is from 1914, it is very unlikely that it left the factory with a pineapple tailpiece anyway.
It's also possible that the tailpiece is pre the 1910 patent model. Gibson had a habit of sweeping the floor or if the prongs broke on the new model maybe somebody had the old model laying around. Unfortunately all the old old mandolins and mandolas in the Mandolin Archive either have covers or if they don't have a cover the picture is too small to enlarge and view. I'm guessing the OP will take Bob up on his offer.
As far as sizes go, I know a guy with a pineapple cover on a 70's F5.
Going off of John's idea, if you set it up on a CNC, you could do something like this and never have to worry about it again...
Attachment 196619
Or you could do it by hand, with a little 1/32" hole drilled at one end of each tab.
Very clever!
"Deverishry crever, indeed!!!" ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by verbs4us
Len B.
Clearwater, FL
My 1914 H1 mandola has a tailpiece with 12 prongs.
i think I'm going to chance the StewMac Golden Age version. Looks like the Gibson cover will slide on top of that. If it lasts the next 107 years, I won't complain but can't vouch for my heirs.