Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hi all -

Anybody know which tailpiece would be the best fit on a 325, the "R" or the trapeze? I would like to replace my Bigsby with a non-vibrato tailpiece.

Is it hard to put on a new tailpiece, or should I have a shop do it?

Peter McCormack?

NickD: I responded to this post under the "Ask A Rickenbacker Luthier" section. I would go with the trapeze tailpiece and yes you can do it yourself. You will need to drill holes though and there will be holes showing from the Bigsby after you put on the new tailpiece.

Nick: I have had fun on occasion stringing with the "R" tailpiece and occasionally with the trapeze. However, I must say that the most "fun" was restringing a friend's Model 325 with the Bigsby. Not the Bigsby with the holes but with the pins. Lots of laughs tonight. Well I'm on to it now but... another good reason to go to the trapeze. Boing!

Peter, you need to read my post "Tips On Stringing Your 325", in this section!

Thanks for the advice on the tailpiece; can't decide yet - leaning towards the "R" because it's so beautiful.

Then again, I might chicken out altogether, because I've got the Burns knobs on, and the Bigsby with the Burns knobs is an unbeatable look.

Life is a series of essentially meaningless choices.

NickD: I have read your post with interest, unfortunately it was not until after i was saddled with the task of which I spoke above. It is interesting that I came to the same conclusion and used the interventions that you described. I am ready for the challenge next time though.

I currently have a '66 335, but I've had a mid 80's 360, a 325, a 450, RM 370 and 620/12. I grew to hate the 'R' tailpiece, particularly on the 12's. I found changing strings a task worthy for consideration as one of the labors of Heracles. How about an Accent vibrato? Mine works great, and it's less of a hassle to change strings. I agree the 'R' looks cool, but I'd go Accent or Trapeze.