Hi Folks,
Today, whilst attempting to tune my Flatiron Festival A (Montana, Jan. 1995) mandolin I experienced a bit of a heart-stopper!
Basically the tailpiece self-destructed - the base plate section (with the string hooks & push-on engraved cover plate) separated rather catastrophically from the small bracket (with 3 screws & the end pin) that wraps around the end of the instrument. It looks as though it's just torn apart along the bend, I presume due to some sort of fatigue!
So my question is, how do I best replace the tailpiece in a way that will permit continued use of the original engraved cover (see below)?
I found a post on the Forum that suggested that the Festival A's original base-plate was steel with a brass cover. However, examining the 'torn' edge of my base plate it looks very much like brass - I can see the characteristic yellow where it has broken!
Does anyone know what make of tail piece was actually used? There are lots of inexpensive chromed steel 'clone' tail pieces available online but I'm concerned they may not be of a exact size that will readily accept my nicely engraved Flatiron cover. I know that there are other tail-piece design alternatives but I'd like to keep the instrument more or less original. Any insights or recommendations gratefully received!
Thanks, Sam.
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