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Thread: Tailpiece for TC bouzouki?

  1. #1
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    Default Tailpiece for TC bouzouki?

    I have a Trinity College Irish bouzouki (TM-375) that is totally stock, including its stamped tailpiece. I put an Allen tailpiece on my Michael Kelly mando and turned what was a marginal instrument into a screamer. It seems like a more massive tailpiece would get more volume and tone out of the bouzouki as well.

    Is there any reason I can't put another Allen mando tailpiece on the 'zouk? The dimensions look to be similar enough that it seems like it should work. Just want to get some informed opinions before I spend money and/or mess up an instrument.

    Thanks much!

  2. #2
    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tailpiece for TC bouzouki?

    Fill and Glue in screw-holes with more wood, pilot drill in for new ones, if they don't exactly line up.

    secondary advantage to Allen ones is the holes the strings pass thru,
    Will take and hold a ball end Guitar strings of the same thickness, as a spares if you wish.

    easier to find than loop end in some places ..
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    is like dancing,
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  3. #3

    Default Re: Tailpiece for TC bouzouki?

    If the screws seem a little loose after fitting the Allen, take them out and plug the holes with a piece of toothpick and screw them back in...

  4. #4
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    Default Re: Tailpiece for TC bouzouki?

    This is a common upgrade and people who have done it seem pleased with the results. Try searching through the CBOM section. Other common upgrades include bone nut and saddle.
    Steve

  5. #5
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    Default Re: Tailpiece for TC bouzouki?

    Many thanks! I'll go for the tailpiece, maybe a new bridge and a saddle, and see how much we can make it hum.

  6. #6
    Registered User groveland's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tailpiece for TC bouzouki?

    I did what you're describing, with really good results.

    http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/sh...llen+tailpiece
    With some pictures and tips.

  7. #7
    Registered User steve V. johnson's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tailpiece for TC bouzouki?

    I've done some retrofits of these for friends and we've had very good results. I'm a big fan of Allen tailpieces in general.

    BTW, Randy Allen often puts his tailpieces on eBay at discounts. Sometimes he'll put "seconds" up for sale there. I've gotten two of them and I couldn't find the flaws that made them seconds at all. And the savings were substantial.

    Tailpiece, bridge and nut upgrades, along with a good and careful setup, can do wonders.

    Groveland's documented series of upgrades to the TC is the defacto 'bible' for that stuff.

    Enjoy!

    stv
    steve V. johnson

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  8. #8
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    Default Re: Tailpiece for TC bouzouki?

    More thanks to everybody who responded. Had a good chat with Randy Allen this week, and he filled me in on the hot setup. Perhaps I will soon have the loudest 'zouk in town. Your thoughts and advice are much appreciated.

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