Trapeze or R tail piece for 12-string ?

jps · Post by **jps** » Sat May 28, 2005 4:13 am

There is a trapeze for sale in the For Sale section.

steverok · Post by **steverok** » Sun Jul 24, 2005 12:10 pm

I installed the trapeze tailpiece on my 360-12VP, and changed the strings for the first time, at my parents' house this afternoon. Now that I know how to do it, the string change will go much more smoothly next time, the key is to run both strings through the tailpiece, before you tighten them. You also should do one pair at a time, starting with the pair with tuners closest to the neck. I am happy to say that my tone is preserved, although, as per a previous warning on this thread, I can see a crease in the body, where the previous bracket held the R tail piece, but I don't mind. I also used the old screw holes, my brother drilled and angled two holes into the new bracket, so there are no new holes in the guitar. I told my mother that someone on this forum (Anthony) said that the look I was pursuing was "firmly planted in no-man's land", she thought that was mean (too funny). So, per Anthony's spec, I put vintage knobs on, to try and soften his dislike

I am quite happy with the final result :

tony_carey · Post by **tony_carey** » Sun Jul 24, 2005 12:27 pm

Steve, the vintage knobs are always a nice touch (I do that to ALL my gtrs). Tell your mum that I'm not mean...honest!

I'd love to see a pic of the body square on, so as we can see the result more clearly.

steverok · Post by **steverok** » Sun Jul 24, 2005 1:09 pm

winston · Post by **winston** » Sun Jul 24, 2005 2:17 pm

Hey Steve B. Welcome to the forum. I just looked at your website and listened to some of cuts posted there. All very well done I might add. Very authentic sounding.

Any one here not listened to them here is the site it is worth a look and a listen. These guys are good and its looks like they have fun to boot.

http://www.thebritishinvasionband.com

.

eggman · Post by **eggman** » Sun Jul 24, 2005 6:28 pm

Howdy,

I've got a trapeze tailpiece inside the case of my 1991 620-12 (JG). A 620 is a better candidate for the trapeze from a practicality standpoint.
One cannot make bridge adjustments on the 620 with the "R" tailpiece; there isn't ROOM!
I'm considering adding the trapeze to my 620-12. FWIW, the "R" talipiece looks better, but YMMV.

Eggman

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Mon Jul 25, 2005 8:25 am

Well, my 660-12 came with the trapeze, and to my eyes it looks much better than the 620, which has the "R".

steverok · Post by **steverok** » Mon Jul 25, 2005 8:40 am

Agree on the 620, the R seems like a bad idea there. I think the R is cool, but I wouldn't want it on every Ric in my closet.

leftyguitars · Post by **leftyguitars** » Mon Jul 25, 2005 9:09 am

Trapese or R? My answer is yes! Err... what was the question again?

ozover50 · Post by **ozover50** » Mon Jul 25, 2005 10:43 am

I'm a traditionalist when it comes to tailpieces - IMO whatever was there in the first place should stay. That is, unless you are fitting a Bigsby to replace the original vibrato for practical purposes.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Mon Jul 25, 2005 10:54 am

Oh, Howard, you rockabilly stud, you!

dswp · Post by **dswp** » Mon Jul 25, 2005 11:36 am

I did the opposite. I changed my 660/12 BG to have the “R” tailpiece

steverok · Post by **steverok** » Mon Jul 25, 2005 12:04 pm

Howard, I did it for practical reasons, I already need three hands to string the inner slots with the trapeze, the R just makes it that much more challenging. Another factor for me is that the R tailpiece is somewhat "loud" in its appearance, as is the fireglo finish, I like the idea that the trapeze tailpiece tones down the appearance of the instrument, there is enough visual stimulation with the guitar the way I set it up.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Mon Jul 25, 2005 12:49 pm

or try two fingers and a few bits of masking tape.

ozover50 · Post by **ozover50** » Mon Jul 25, 2005 1:44 pm

Fair enough, Steve. I guess it's all a matter of personal convenience and looks.

Rockabilly stud, Paul?? I can't comment because I've already been castigated for serious thread drift, body humour and stupidity - got to toe the line!!