K&K pickup on James Tailpiece

[TEvans]

I've got a K&K pickup on the way to me. I'm looking to get this bad boy installed, and I'm definitely wanting the jack to go through the endpin. Can't seem to find much info on these jacks going through a James tailpiece. I talked to a local shop, and they suggested a jack next to the endpin. I definitely don't want this, as I've seen too many of these shake loose. Would much prefer to keep it mounted to the tail block.

My question is this: Has anyone installed one of these pickups on a mandolin with a James tailpiece, and did you have to drill out the tailpiece to accommodate the jack?

Thanks for taking the time to answer!

[almeriastrings]

If you use a normal endpin jack - yes , you would have to drill the tailpiece. On an Ellis? Worth going that bit extra and using a Tapastring Vintage Jack.

No drilling.
100% reversible with no alterations to instrument at all.
Excellent quality.


Look great.

[rockies]

Yes I did a couple of James (and All;ens etc) when running my repair business. Clamped the James tailpiece very carefully in the drill press and drilled out the endpin hole to 1/2". Cleaned up burrs etc., Then installed a temporary dowel in the endpin hole and used a 1/2" brad point bit to drill the 1/2" hole in the mandolin (with my wifes assistance). Cover area with masking tape to limit chipout and scratches etc.
Dave

[pops1]

Which ever way you go, go thru the tailpiece and not next to it. It may be more work to drill it, but worth it. What you save by not drilling the tailpiece could go to purchasing the tapastring jack. I have that in one mandolin and it works well, a little more sensitive with the 1/8" plug, but I play a lot and it has been there years now. I do carry a 1/8-1/4" converter should my cord fail so I can use a regular guitar cord, but I also carry a spare cord so both would have to fail before I would have to use it.

[almeriastrings]

This is what they look like when fitted.



I made up a couple of really good quality cables using a right-angle Switchcraft mini-jack... very solid and like Pops1, been there for a few years now and no issues at all.

[mandroid]

a solid tie down of the strap end with some leather or something around the tail piece,

and then secure the 1/8" to 1/4 " converter to the strap

and so, have a strain relief on the thinner thus more vulnerable 1/8" plug

seems a good way to go. to my Mind ..

+ the Tapastring button is still tapered, so It can pull out ..

doubling the benefit of making the strap end secure to the screwed down tailpiece.


1/4" Endpin jack installation was done on my Plastic Mix Mandolin,
so I'm just a spectator commenting from the bleachers..

[AcornHouse]

I used a reamer to widen the hole in an Allen tailpiece for the jack. Slower, but less nervous-making.

[McIrish]

I've installed a K&K on one of my mandolins with a James tailpiece. (BTW- excellent tailpiece, I love them)
Definitely drill the tailpiece and not next to the tailpiece. I use a step bit so it doesn't grab and rip the tailpiece out of my hand. I use the same 1/2" step bit to drill the hole in the mandolin. Never had a problem with it. I would not use a regular drill bit as it will grab the wood at some point and make a mess. A reamer will also work but it's tedious.

[TEvans]

There ya have it folks. The fine folks at the Ellis shop here in Austin slapped that k&k in there for me. I was glad to take it to them, and so thankful they could install it. There's nobody I would trust more to do it than Tom and his team, as they built this thing, and are all excellent craftsmen and women. The pickup is all hidden away, and there for only when I need it! (outdoor gigs, very loud rooms) Otherwise, it's all mics for me and my band.