KM-1000 tailpiece

[joni24]

I'm about to put new strings on my new (to me) Kentucky KM-1000. The tailpiece is different from any I've seen before (see attachment). Should I be using those 4 horizontal tangs as well as the 8 vertical ones? Currently only one of the E strings was strung on a horizontal tang as well as a vertical one. Anyone know the purpose of these?

[MikeEdgerton]

The best explanation on the web is here on Frank Ford's www.frets.com. By the way, you can simply string them straight on.

[joni24]

Thanks, that's exactly the kind of explanation I was looking for! Appreciate the fast response.

[Ivan Kelsall]

Mike - I've seen that bit on Frank Ford's site before & i found it interesting to note the way that the 'extra' horizontal tangs were meant to be used. Frank's phrase "...you'll be missing just a little of the old time flavour " - does he mean just the 'fiddleyness' of stringing up like that i wonder ?,
Ivan

[Dave Hanson]

In my humble opinion, using the extra tangs puts an unecessary quite sharp kink in the strings, which you really don't need.

Dave H

[almeriastrings]

You also have to watch (on some cheap tailpieces, especially) that the metal on those 'tangs' that the string bends over is not razor sharp and badly finished. If it is, expect regular breaks there.

[MikeEdgerton]

I just think Frank is speaking of a nod to tradition. I always string my Gibson that way. I'll note that the differences in Gibson "styel" tailpieces is varied. I don't break stings because of the "kink" but I have seen inexpensive tailpieces that I would be reluctant to wind around. Then again, that same problem would affect the loop as well. I've cleaned up a few of these with fine sand paper.