Just installed a trapeze tailpiece...replacing the 'R

johnashfield · Post by **johnashfield** » Sat Feb 08, 2003 5:23 am

I just installed a 12 hole trapeze from [email protected].

It has made re-stringing so much easier, and tuning so much better! Having an individual hole for each string simply makes sense too.

I replaced the 'R' because, although it looks way cool, I find it to be a hassle when changing strings, and when I tune I find it slightly moves, i.e. when I tuned the high E pair, it made the E octave pair go slightly sharp.

Anyway! The 12 hole tailpiece rocks!

Thank you [email protected]!

ted_williams · Post by **ted_williams** » Sat Feb 08, 2003 1:17 pm

I also replaced an 'R' tailpiece with a Rick12Dr trapeze, and couldn't be happier. While the 'R'
looks cool (I won't replace the one on my six-string), it's really impractical on a 12-string.

admin · Post by **admin** » Sat Feb 08, 2003 1:46 pm

The trapeze works well on a six string as well. I found that it was easier to string and the increased stability kept it in tune better than the "R" tailpiece on my 350. Having said that, I sometimes miss the look of the "R" tailpiece.

jwilli · Post by **jwilli** » Sat Feb 08, 2003 2:02 pm

I just bought a 360/6 CW Ltd. Ed. in Jet-Glo. One of the first things I will do to it is
exchange the R-tailpiece for a Trapeze. Also am going to have silver guards made for it. Who knows, I may even replace the toasters with RIC humbuckers.

admin · Post by **admin** » Sun Feb 09, 2003 2:18 am

John: This is going to be one very striking Rickenbacker. Kind of a "Born to be wild" look.

carr · Post by **carr** » Sun Feb 09, 2003 3:06 am

I wonder if any enterprising soul has thought of a way to clamp the R tail piece to the trapeze and have the best of both worlds.

Is the R tailpiece a die cast?( which would make drilling and tapping a pain in the rear).

If a softer material it may be possible.. any engineers out there?

John

ricrocks · Post by **ricrocks** » Sun Feb 09, 2003 9:26 am

Please show us a pic when its complete jwilli... sounds nice! Im considering a trapeze on my 330RBY as well. Heres a (****** quality) pic of it with a set of gold guards and oven knobs. I really should break down and get a digital cam someday lol

wormdiet · Post by **wormdiet** » Sun Feb 09, 2003 1:29 pm

Dang Dave. . . SWEET! gold n ruby. Where did you get the guard/how much $? DId you get a headstock replacement as well?

corey · Post by **corey** » Sun Feb 09, 2003 3:41 pm

I think I am one of the few who would never replace the "R" tailpiece. In fact, I'd replace the Trapeze with the "R" on something like the 660 models.

That's a great guitar, David!

ricrocks · Post by **ricrocks** » Mon Feb 10, 2003 8:09 am

Thank you John and Corey.

Regarding the tailpieces, Ive never had problems with the *R* on my 6 strings, although they ARE a pain to restring. Keep the beer in the fridge till youre all finished

I personally like both styles, but the throwback look of the trapeze IS pretty cool and its probably the better system for a 12 string.

John: regarding the gold guards... check out pickguardian.com and email Tony for prices. Its up to the individual though, to deal with the truss cover issue. Either trade in the original with RIC, or get a clear one and use your imagination

anonymous · Post by **anonymous** » Mon Feb 10, 2003 10:07 am

I have noticed that the trapeze makes the strings feel a little "tighter". Has anyone else noticed this?

John Ashfield
http://www.thebobbleheads.com

anonymous · Post by **anonymous** » Mon Feb 10, 2003 11:01 am

John: This is a question that should be explained in detail by the physicists here. It stands to "reason" that this would be so as their is a more even distribution of tension on all the strings as they all cross the saddles at about the same angle. This is in contrast to the different angles coming from the "R." To be honest, I noticed little change after I moved to the trapeze, however, to be fair I have a six string with much less tension overall. A very interesting question.

jwilli · Post by **jwilli** » Tue Apr 15, 2003 2:26 pm

Earlier this year, I typed this post:
*I just bought a 360/6 CW Ltd. Ed. in Jet-Glo. *One of the first things I will do to it is
*exchange the R-tailpiece for a Trapeze. Also am *going to have silver guards made for it. Who *knows, I may even replace the toasters with RIC *humbuckers.

I have done acouple of the mods. I havent switched to the trapeze tailpiece yet. Here's what it looks like presently:
www.homestead.com/aurs3/moddedcarl.html

wmthor · Post by **wmthor** » Tue Apr 15, 2003 4:10 pm

How does the CW sound with the humbuckers?