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Thread: Bruno bowlback tailpiece

  1. #1
    Registered User George Roberts's Avatar
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    Default Bruno bowlback tailpiece

    This Bruno mandolin has part of the tailpiece that has "Pat, Oct 26, 86" on it. I have found pictures of another tailpiece with the same patent date, but it is a one piece example. DoesClick image for larger version. 

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ID:	203797 anyone know what the sliding top part of my tailpiece looks like?
    Thanks, George

  2. #2
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Bruno bowlback tailpiece

    Most of the photos of Bruno bowlbacks in my files show either the hinged/locking armrest metal tailpiece or the three-lobed or cloud covered tailpiece.

    The two latter ones I mention are possibly what is on there. I have quite a few examples showing that same patent date without the cover.

    Here's one of the three-lobed un-engraved ones:
    Click image for larger version. 

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    and a fancier engraved one from an upperend mandolin:
    Click image for larger version. 

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    There more common scalloped/cloud tailpieces look like this and might fit your mandolin but if you find a complete one may be worth just swapping it out for that one.
    Click image for larger version. 

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    Jim

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  4. #3
    Registered User George Roberts's Avatar
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    Default Re: Bruno bowlback tailpiece

    Jim, thank you so much. I was going to try and make a cover out of sheet brass, but your third example looks like what I need. I couldn't find anything on-line. Do you know if it is available?
    Thanks again, George

  5. #4
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Bruno bowlback tailpiece

    They usually show up from time to time on eBay. I don’t see any right now.
    Jim

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  6. #5
    Registered User Tavy's Avatar
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    Default Re: Bruno bowlback tailpiece

    There is someone in the UK who makes these I think... I'm away right now, but someone remind me at the weekend and I'll try and find the contact info.

  7. #6
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Bruno bowlback tailpiece

    John: I had a few brand new ones but I could not remember where I purchased them. I thought that years ago there was an eBay seller in Germany who sold the proper sets but I don’t think I bought mine from them.
    Jim

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  8. #7
    Registered User Drew Egerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Bruno bowlback tailpiece

    No "we don't talk about Bruno" jokes? Am I the only one here with an 8 year old?
    Drew
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  9. #8
    Registered User George Roberts's Avatar
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    Default Re: Bruno bowlback tailpiece

    Tavy,
    Any luck finding a source for the tailpiece?
    Thanks, George

  10. #9
    Registered User Tavy's Avatar
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    Default Re: Bruno bowlback tailpiece

    OK, the info I was given was for Tony Dixon (http://guitar-maker.com/).

    I don't see cloud tailpiece covers listed on his website, but he has made some interesting instruments for some interesting players! Suggest you drop him an email and see.

  11. #10
    Registered User William Smith's Avatar
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    Default Re: Bruno bowlback tailpiece

    I think there are some original cloud covers on ebay right now-well there was a few days ago anyways.

  12. #11
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Bruno bowlback tailpiece

    Dave Hynds sells something close, #6 on this page: http://www.mandolinluthier.com/mando...tailpieces.htm
    Jim

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  13. #12
    Registered User George Roberts's Avatar
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    Default Re: Bruno bowlback tailpiece

    Thanks for all the input.
    This mandolin has been hanging in my shop for over 20 years. I have worked on it intermittently during that time. I guess I'll just keep checking Ebay, and hope for the right cover to come along.
    George

  14. #13
    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: Bruno bowlback tailpiece

    This engraved one just landed in the classifieds yesterday....

    https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/196567#196567

    NFI
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

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