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Tailpiece comparisons
Posted: Fri Sep 21, 2007 4:56 pm
by jps
I just had the opportunity to photograph my three different era tailpieces, '60s, '70s,and current '00s (left to right). Note how robust the casting is on the '60s tailpiece, such as the mute housing wall thickness compared to the other two. RIC did beef up the new tailpiece considerably, more solid like the '60s era ones.
Posted: Fri Sep 21, 2007 5:04 pm
by Lost Coyotes
Cool, Jeffrey.
I had noticed the split tailpiece is significantly beefier than the later ones I have.
As in, no lift.
Posted: Fri Sep 21, 2007 5:57 pm
by johnallg
I think the most telling and most important area is the undersides around the area where the strings anchor. Also where the lift is.
Great pictures and contribution Jeff!
Posted: Fri Sep 21, 2007 6:07 pm
by jps
If anyone wants higher res versions, just say the word. Hmm, which word should that be...?
Posted: Fri Sep 21, 2007 9:03 pm
by ilan
Did you weigh them?
Posted: Fri Sep 21, 2007 9:06 pm
by heinpete
I might contribute the early 4003 tailpiece (7 screws) pics, front and back, here. The damper is the current one.
Posted: Fri Sep 21, 2007 9:07 pm
by heinpete
Ooh, double post!
Posted: Sat Sep 22, 2007 4:45 am
by jps
I did not weight them as I do not have a scale that would be sensitive enough. The '60s tailpiece did feel like it was about half the weight of the others, if that helps.
Posted: Sat Sep 22, 2007 5:16 am
by ben_brown
The '60s tailpiece did feel like it was about half the weight of the others,
That is probably because the 60s tailpieces were made of cast aluminum IIRC.
This is also another reason for the "non lift".
Oh yeah...
900!
Posted: Sat Sep 22, 2007 5:40 am
by sloop_john_b
So why don't they make 'em like they used to?
(I generally ignore all the tailpiece-lift threads so I plead ignorance on this one!)
Posted: Sat Sep 22, 2007 6:41 am
by jwr2
Quote: "So why don't they make 'em like they used to?"
That is a question for the ages ... we have all been wondering about that for years ...
Posted: Sat Sep 22, 2007 7:13 am
by wints
"So why don't they make 'em like they used to?"
The same reason it always is...
Posted: Sat Sep 22, 2007 9:14 am
by Lost Coyotes
time, and /or money
Posted: Sat Sep 22, 2007 10:42 pm
by walker
Based on what I'm seeing in Jeff's photos, it looks like the new version of the tailpiece is indeed designed to address the lift issue. Beefed up braces & sides in the back. Looking forward to hearing your review in time, Jeff.
Posted: Sun Sep 23, 2007 3:27 am
by jps
What review? I do feel the new tailpiece is far stronger than the previous version, and from the looks of it I would expect no or at least a minimal amount of lift.
I do still prefer light guage strings as they help with greater musical expression due to better playing technique.