Modded 12-string R tailpiece?

[ilan]

A friend of mine has asked me what to do with his 330/12 broken R tailpiece. Before he orders a new one from RIC, I told him I vaguely remember that someone makes or used to make or mod 12-string R tailpieces that were easier to restring. Can someone please direct me?

[scotty]

http://www.winfieldvintage.com

[ilan]

Thanks.

[Folkie]

Ilan,

About six months ago, I had the exact same problem ("exploding tailpiece") as your friend. A very high profile member of the RRF sent me a link to Winfield Vintage. For $75.00 I was able to replace my black "R" tailpiece with a WV black harp tailpiece, which makes for MUCH easier restringing, and is made of sturdy stainless steel. And, of course, I didn't have to go through the whole hassle of mailing my "R" tailpiece back to Rickenbacker.

The people at Winfield Vintage are a pleasure to deal with. I wish your friend much luck in resurrecting his 330/12!

Robert

[ilan]

He has a spare 6-string R tailpiece. Is there a way to modify it to accept 12 strings?

[scotty]

Just buy a trapeze and don't screw in the holes the strap button will do.
Then if a R comes along he can swap it back out without any new holes.

[jdogric12]

+1 to recommend Winfield Vintage

[Grey]

Just buy a trapeze and don't screw in the holes the strap button will do.
Then if a R comes along he can swap it back out without any new holes.

That's what I do, but Winfield actually makes a conversion bracket that matches the mounting holes on the 'R' to the trapeze.