Trapeze or R tail piece for 12-string ?

randyz · Post by **randyz** » Fri May 27, 2005 4:59 am

Steve, I couldn't see the damage because it was directly under the 'R' bracket. The bracket had actually dug into the face of the guitar leaving a deep groove. Since the trapeze bracket doesn't cover the face at all, it was going to be very visible. I also prefer the trapeze on my guitars, but it wasn't going to work out well in this situation. I can't say you'll have the same problem. It could just be an issue on my particular instrument. That kind of stuff happens on limited production guitars like Ricks. A particular piece of hardware may not fit exactly the same on every unit they ship. After twenty-five years of twelve-string tension, the bracket cut into the finish. Oh well, it still looks/plays great!

BobKat · Post by **BobKat** » Fri May 27, 2005 5:47 am

By the way, Don Adamek used to sell 12-hole trapeze pieces. Don't know if he still does.

I did this on a 330/12. Worked out great.

I did get a black R for the 360/12MID BT I just picked up, but I was seriously considering powder-coating a trapeze and using that. If the replacement R goes bad I will do just that.

rick12dr · Post by **rick12dr** » Fri May 27, 2005 5:56 am

Bob, I technically still do, but most of what I have left are either not so great looking chrome, or else unplated. If you know a local plater, I can sell them as is.The plater I used nearly 15 years ago is apparently not around any more.I haven't taken the time to investigate anyone else. All those kinds of places seem to be inconveniently located for me here in the Twin Cities.

BobKat · Post by **BobKat** » Fri May 27, 2005 6:15 am

Don, give me a shout by way of e-mail.

steverok · Post by **steverok** » Fri May 27, 2005 7:39 am

OK, I hope the guy who owns this guitar doesn't mind me posting a picture of his 370/12VP MG equipped with a trapeze tailpiece. I have a higher-res image but cannot post it here. I think it looks just smashing with the retro tailpiece.

red_rob · Post by **red_rob** » Fri May 27, 2005 8:54 am

Don't forget Steve Brodbeck's fireglo 360 w/trapeae (from the confluence pictures string)

Looked pretty good to me

36012c63 · Post by **36012c63** » Fri May 27, 2005 9:51 am

Thanks, Robert. I'm going to post a "before" and "after" set of photos of my 12. Which do you prefer? I know I like the "after" results much better.

36012c63 · Post by **36012c63** » Fri May 27, 2005 9:53 am

Here is the "after".

Scastles · Post by **Scastles** » Fri May 27, 2005 10:01 am

Do like the 'after', far better, Steve.

tony_carey · Post by **tony_carey** » Fri May 27, 2005 2:58 pm

I'm obviously on my own here....love the gold guard, love the vintage knobs....but that trapeze REALLY looks odd to me. To my eyes, the angular trapeze is at odds with the rounded flowing lines of the 360, whilst the R echoes the shape nicely.

jps · Post by **jps** » Fri May 27, 2005 3:24 pm

I vote trapeze!

scottpro1969 · Post by **scottpro1969** » Fri May 27, 2005 3:50 pm

Beautiful, Steve....great vintage mods....love the trapeze.

36012c63 · Post by **36012c63** » Sat May 28, 2005 1:06 am

One of the reasons I changed the tailpiece was that with the "R", I had some odd overtones. With the trapeze, they are no longer there. But I also like it for its clean, angular design.

36012c63 · Post by **36012c63** » Sat May 28, 2005 1:13 am

Also, as I look at a Rickenbacker, to me, the whole deign is a combination of soft, flowing curves. I always thought that the squared-off, straight-line pickups clashed with the rest of the curving roundness. Nothing can be done about that, and that's why the trapeze straightness doesn't bother my eyes.

36012c63 · Post by **36012c63** » Sat May 28, 2005 1:16 am

Sorry about mispelling "design".