YWGbanjo - Posted - 12/07/2013:  13:58:29

Howdy,

I'm going to get my ancient Buckbee playable.  I've bought some nylgut strings.  It looks like the bridge and nut will be compatible with the string.  I'm wondering about the tailpiece.  It is a pretty crude stamped-out piece of sheetmetal, with sharp edges.

1) Is this likely the original tailpiece?

2) I'm concerned the tailpiece will cut the strings.  Is there anything I could or should do to protect against this? Do some filing?  Slip some kind of sleeve over the strings?

Thanks everyone.  As always, I appreciate your advice.

Doug

Tailpiece on old Buckbee

trapdoor2 - Posted - 12/07/2013:  14:56:01

quote:

Originally posted by YWGbanjo

 

1) Is this likely the original tailpiece?

Very possible. There were scads of cheap, stamped out tailpieces like yours made in the period.

2) I'm concerned the tailpiece will cut the strings.  Is there anything I could or should do to protect against this? Do some filing?  Slip some kind of sleeve over the strings?

I would certainly take some fine sandpaper to all the corners and sharp edges and polish them smooth. In the view you've shown, I cannot tell if there are simply slots for the strings or what. Polish any corner or edge that the string might possibly contact.

I would not tie the strings to the "fingers" of this tailpiece...just too many corners that might cut the strings. I think I would either cut a piece of metal wire (like 1/8" brass, or a piece of coathanger wire, etc.) to lay across the width of the tailpiece, hooked behind the "fingers". Tie the strings to the wire and then lay it into the tailpiece so that the strings run out thru the slots (one per slot).

Another option would be to find some glass beads that will slide onto the strings. Slide one on each string and tie a quick 'stopper' knot (like a figure-eight knot) to keep the bead in place. Then just slip the string into a slot and the glass bead will keep it there (like a ball-end guitar string).

Edited by - trapdoor2 on 12/07/2013 15:02:07

YWGbanjo - Posted - 12/08/2013:  07:07:34

Thanks Marc. Two great suggestions.

Doug