Trapeze modification

mfb · Post by **mfb** » Tue Nov 07, 2006 12:26 am

Has anyone ever thought about widening the diametre of the holes slightly and elongating the slot a little on the trapeze to allow the strings simply to "drop into" it?

It would certainly make life a lot easier when changing strings.

beatlefreak · Post by **beatlefreak** » Tue Nov 07, 2006 4:14 am

Manuel -

I take it you mean so the ball end of the string could drop through the hole, and the elongated slot would then hold it in place? The trapeze tailpiece is supposed to have the ball end of the string sitting on top of the tailpiece. If the ball end is under the tailpiece, you risk damaging the finish of your guitar in that area, as the trapeze sits close to the body.

mfb · Post by **mfb** » Tue Nov 07, 2006 10:49 am

Yes, I read that from time to time. But it seems funny.

I have 2 with trapeze and I thread the strings from under it (looks neater) and there seems to be a lot of room there - there would be a little more room especially if the string was able to travel a little further up towards the bridge through an elongated slot, in my opinion.

rick12dr · Post by **rick12dr** » Tue Nov 07, 2006 8:12 pm

Manuel,
do you have a 6 or 12 string Rick?

mfb · Post by **mfb** » Tue Nov 07, 2006 8:56 pm

Don, the ones I have with the trapeze are 6 string, a 350v63 and a 660.

Theres about 5 to 6 mm clearance between the ball of the strings and the top of each guitar (the bridge isn't high by any means, as I like a low to medium action) when I thread them on top of the trapeze.

beatlefreak · Post by **beatlefreak** » Wed Nov 08, 2006 6:53 am

Another thing to consider is whether you're getting sufficient break angle over the bridge. This will be somewhat reduced by threading the trapeze backwards.

bitzerguy · Post by **bitzerguy** » Wed Nov 08, 2006 9:02 am

Kris beat me to it!

...Dean

mfb · Post by **mfb** » Wed Nov 08, 2006 11:46 am

There's plenty of break angle, a little less than if threaded under but nevertheless the slightly lesser angle does not affect either the stability of the bridge or the sound (at least I can't tell any difference).

admin · Post by **admin** » Wed Nov 08, 2006 11:50 am

Manuel: Why not get a trapeze and give it a try?

mfb · Post by **mfb** » Wed Nov 08, 2006 12:00 pm

Peter, am I able to get a trapeze without exchanging the ones I have?

beatlefreak · Post by **beatlefreak** » Wed Nov 08, 2006 12:08 pm

Yes, you can just buy the trapeze (at least for now).

sloop_john_b · Post by **sloop_john_b** » Wed Nov 08, 2006 12:09 pm

http://www.rickenbacker.com/cart.asp?viewitem=01120&category=viewitem&buffer_category=Tailpieces

They seem to be out of stock right now, but only the R tailpieces require exchange.