Boy, does this suck!

[Scastles]

I'd long heard and read of the horrors of the black hardware. Now, I can not so proudly say I am a part of it. Pulled out my 12 and bingo...busted black tailpiece. Well, it held up for 15 years.
Now, what to do? Go with a powder coated piece? Change everything (Oy!!)?
What a bummer.

Lovely, isn't it?

[jingle_jangle]

Go with a powder-coated piece.

You know, you can powder-coat stuff yourself. There are DIY kits available from about $100.00. These bake in your kitchen oven. I have never done this, so I can't answer detailed questions, but a friend turned me onto this and he's happy with the results.

Here's only one:

http://www.nationsautoelectric.com/gallery.html

Powder-coating is relatively affordable to do if you take it into a commercial service, too. Google yourself up a batch.

[Scastles]

Thanks, PW. I would prefer to keep it, as is. I guess I send in the busted tailpiece to RIC?

Added question. How to retain the tension for the time being? Or not.

[jingle_jangle]

Send the broken one into Kenny. Call him first, though, for an RA number. Just leave your guitar as is until the new one arrives.

[kiramdear]

I'd long heard and read of the horrors of the black hardware.

Is there something special about the black hardware that makes them prone to breaking?

[blueflamerick]

There's a theory that the powder coating process weakens the material.

[Scastles]

Yep, it has to do with former powder coating method that was used. RIC no longer makes the black hardware, for this reason, and likely others.

[paologregorio]

It can happen to the chrome pieces as well; there was an issue with some of the 12 string tailpieces for a bit. The new pieces are supposed to have addressed this. My `91 381/12 tailpiece broke in `03 or `04, so it lasted about the same length of time that yours did. The new one appears to be just fine. Check back with me in another ten-twelve years.

My tailpiece broke in the exact same spot.

[jingle_jangle]

There is an alternative to black powder coating that's not quite as durable, but not bad and doesn't require heating the tailpiece. You can use a twopart commercial matte-black epoxy finish, but you need to bead-blast the tailpiece to etch the chrome plating and help adhesion of the paint.

If you're interested, let me know and I'll give you some refs, Stan.

[Scastles]

Will do, once I have an answer on the other possibility. Thanks. Paul.

[ozover50]

My... that IS bad luck, Stan. I hope it works out well in the end for you no matter which way you go about it.

[Scastles]

Thanks to POTR the problem should be resolved without me getting my hands dirty. I should be looking at new black R in a few weeks.

[beatlefreak]

Chalk up another one for Chris at Pick Of The Ricks! All's well that ends well.