Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Anyone know why Rickenbacker made their two fixed tailpieces have different mounting screw patterns?

Wouldn't it have been nice if the flat plate tailpiece and the "R" tailpiece could be interchanged without leaving unsightly holes?

I don't know why.
Yes it would be nice.
I believe Winfield makes a numer of mounting pieces that enable you to switch without re-drilling hole patterns. I don't know how well they fit or of their quality. I have only seen their online catalog. http://www.winfieldvintage.com/parts/end-hooks.html

Just don't drill your guitar. Mount the flat plate without any screws---it doesn't need them one bit, especially on a six-string. The strap button holds the plate down fine.

I believe Winfield makes a numer of mounting pieces that enable you to switch without re-drilling hole patterns.

The Winfield parts are a great find - thanks!

Just don't drill your guitar. Mount the flat plate without any screws---it doesn't need them one bit, especially on a six-string. The strap button holds the plate down fine.

Although it may work fine, I'd be a bit wary of having the tailpiece held on just by the one strap screw.

LenMinNJ wrote:

Just don't drill your guitar. Mount the flat plate without any screws---it doesn't need them one bit, especially on a six-string. The strap button holds the plate down fine.

Although it may work fine, I'd be a bit wary of having the tailpiece held on just by the one strap screw.

Well....I can only say that I have done it. Successfully. Many times. But, hey...

I might be more cautious with a 12 string, but with a six string, think about it---what holds your strings down when you use an Accent vibrato? YEP, one lonely strap button.

It's been holding the strings on my '64 RM for over 45 years, no problem.