Reproduction Pre-1974 Aluminum Tailpiece / Bridge

[dgwguitars]

For those of you who have not seen my post on the "Rickenbacker Guitars and Basses" Facebook page, after having reproduction aluminum saddles made for the pre-1974 sandcast aluminum bass bridges, I've been asked about the potential for having the aluminum tailpieces and bridges reproduced. Before looking into it with the same CNC shop, I wanted to see what the interest might be, either for restoration purposes or for replacement of the zinc tailpieces and bridges. At this point, I do not know what the cost might be, but if there is sufficient interest, I'll pursue it further. Please note that this is just an initial inquiry, and it pending potential legal matters, such as trademark / patent infringement issues.

[rictified]

I wouldn't need one at this point but I think it would be welcomed.

[wim]

This would be more of a casting job rather than a CNC job.
I could cast items that size (lost wax casting) but it would probably be a trademark infringement of some sort.

[dgwguitars]

This would be more of a casting job rather than a CNC job.
I could cast items that size (lost wax casting) but it would probably be a trademark infringement of some sort.

To be a true replica, you're correct. The result likely wouldn't be visibly distinguishable from the original, except for the underside of both the tailpiece and bridge and inside the tailpiece recess for the bridge.

[teeder]

Larry, FIIW, I looked into doing this a few years back. Even had quotes on making the pattern and the piece price for casting. I was going to laser-scan one of my originals for the pattern. The mold would make 6 at a time. I asked Mr Hall about doing this and was shot down. Maybe you will have more luck.

[aceonbass]

I remember John saying no to reproducing the cast tailpiece based on some sort of supposed infringement, but since it's not shaped exactly like the current zinc part, and the AllParts and HipShot bridges are closer to the current part as well, I don't see a real issue. Perhaps John will join in this discussion, or send me a PM as he's done in the past, but since aftermarket replacement parts are out there copying the footprint of 4000 series tailpieces with apparent impunity, I don't see any enforceable infringement issues. There are a few design flaws in the current part there were carried over from the cast part, which I'd like to see addressed, and I think a new cast replacement should incorporate a current design RIC bridge due to the limited saddle travel in the old one.

[Kopfjaeger]

Perhaps something lie this??

[thx1955]

I'm in, I'd be up for potentially 2, possibly 3

[chefothefuture]

A deeper bridge well would be a great thing for basses with neck lift
If that could be done I'd be down for a couple...

[DriftSpace]

I'd be interested, if the price were right, and even more if there was an option to get this with the bridge and saddles. I'd prefer CNC over sand-cast, as it would keep the cost down.

My interest would increase even more if we had the option to receive this in different finishes, as in chrome, and black; if all that were anodized instead of powder-coated: even better. It'd be great if I could just replace all my metal parts with aluminum, actually ... and a toothless version would also pique my interest.

(Yes, I realize this isn't "period correct," and that the sand-cast RIC tail never came in black, but that doesn't matter to me personally.)

Perhaps something lie this??

1619240_1092128730813230_2739321616300756143_n.jpg

Please tell us more about what this is and from whence it came; it's nice looking.

[DriftSpace]

A deeper bridge well would be a great thing for basses with neck lift
If that could be done I'd be down for a couple...

I think the more ideas like this -- the not "period correct" -- which are entertained: the further we get from legal issues. I'd support John's request as well; you can't really go wrong with more adjustment options.

[Kiddwad57]

Perhaps something lie this??

1619240_1092128730813230_2739321616300756143_n.jpg

It looks better than the hipshot to me. I'm curious about any details too. Do you know what are the brass tubes on either side are for?

[aceonbass]

Sepp.....Where did you get that? I like the brass saddles, but I'm not a fan of lock down saddles though. What's goin' on with the mute area?

[Kopfjaeger]

OK, several months ago I was directed to the Facebook page of a South American luthier. How I actually got there, is can't remember. I saw a the foto I posted here and was curious. I sent several messages asking for more details about the tailpiece but never heard back. either he speaks no English or he isn't interested in selling or talking about it. Sadly I have no details.

Sepp

[Kopfjaeger]

Another view