There are now pics of Alamo Guitars(tm) "Gellerized -Just Bend Over!(r) - Tailpieces" on my CBN page. Look for the photo album called "Oily's Guitar Lounge." Build pics to date are also there.
Thanks to Rafal Sulejman for helping me name my tailpieces. Come join the Uri Nation! Heheheheheheheh...
I'll post some this weekend when I have time, along with build status pics. I got it "right" on my third try (the curled fork tines). The others look rougher and homemade. Which they are.:-)
I've been using pieces of old 1/2" copper pipe that I have laying around. I'll measure out the length I need, cut it off, then saw the tube lengthwise. With a couple of screwdrivers I worry the gap open enough to be able to get some pliers in it to open it up even more then take mighty hammer to it on the anvil to make it flat. After that It's to the vise and more work with Mr. Hammer until it looks like what I have in mind. Then clean the edges with a file, drill holes as needed and there ya go!
Obviously a coupla months late to the "tailgate" party, but just wanted to mention that I am making trapeze tailpieces from cheap (10 for $5 US) stainless steel forks and spoons. I take a simple hammer, measure 'em to put the bends in the right place, bend 'em on my bench vise, then bend / curl the fork tines back ( or hacksaw ' em off, when my bends break!), and viola! I also use some small files to clean up an rough edges. I drill two holes in the handles, then screw in one flat headed wood screw in the upper hole, a small eye screw in the bottom hole, to attach them to the end of the box (I'm not using a neck-through that extends past the outer edge of the box; mine terminate inside the box). The eye screw thus gives me a place to attach my homemade braided strap.
Hi for me i just use anything that takes myu fancy bras sheet is easy I use snips files and a drill and always do it by eye but thats cos i like a bit of inperfection
For that tailpiece, I used some pretty heavy brass that I had kicking around but the steel one is of a much lighter gauge. That one is only about 22 gauge. I picked up some nickel silver for another project I'm working on and that is 22 gauge. All the stress is pull tension so it doesn't need to be heavy if it is supported at the bend by the box.
The heavier gauge is a pain to bend and depending on the brass stock might even fracture. I had this happen to one where I tried to bend too tight a corner. The brass fractured and I needed to apply heat on the next one to get the tight angle I wanted. From there I just decided to use lighter stock as it is easier to deal with.
Ian david campbell said:
Thanks Don
what guage brass sheet do you use Dan Sleep said:
If you want something more low tech, you can also use any variety of hinges from the hardware store. Just find one the right size, with the right number of holes and away you go. Picture hangars can also be used.
all i build is 3 and 4strings. spacing i don't know. i just eyeball it and with my eyesight you can bet no 2 are alike or spaced evenly. my address is
mark quigley
1302 7th st
covington in 47932
Don Goguen said:
Sell, no but if you want one, all you need do is ask. I would need to know what string spacing you want to use. It is also helpful to know how much the tail end needs to drop down to connect to center of the neck member if you are doing anything unusual. Otherwise it is just half of the 3/4" neck board plus a little extra for the box top.
I'm away on business this week and away from my desktop and don't have cad on my travel laptop. Let me know what you need and I'll draw it out when I get back.
mark "mudcat" quigley said:
don
i've been building since oct 2010. i'm leagally blind so some things take me 10 times longer to do than the average joe. saw your tailpiece and was wondering if you could sell me a patteren marked witk hole locations. 1 for 3 string 1 for 4 string. it would help me tremendoudly.
Replies
There are now pics of Alamo Guitars(tm) "Gellerized -Just Bend Over!(r) - Tailpieces" on my CBN page. Look for the photo album called "Oily's Guitar Lounge." Build pics to date are also there.
Thanks to Rafal Sulejman for helping me name my tailpieces. Come join the Uri Nation! Heheheheheheheh...
Ian,
I'll post some this weekend when I have time, along with build status pics. I got it "right" on my third try (the curled fork tines). The others look rougher and homemade. Which they are.:-)
Ian david campbell said:
I've been using pieces of old 1/2" copper pipe that I have laying around. I'll measure out the length I need, cut it off, then saw the tube lengthwise. With a couple of screwdrivers I worry the gap open enough to be able to get some pliers in it to open it up even more then take mighty hammer to it on the anvil to make it flat. After that It's to the vise and more work with Mr. Hammer until it looks like what I have in mind. Then clean the edges with a file, drill holes as needed and there ya go!
Ian david campbell said:
Oily
that sounds brilliant
any photos
Obviously a coupla months late to the "tailgate" party, but just wanted to mention that I am making trapeze tailpieces from cheap (10 for $5 US) stainless steel forks and spoons. I take a simple hammer, measure 'em to put the bends in the right place, bend 'em on my bench vise, then bend / curl the fork tines back ( or hacksaw ' em off, when my bends break!), and viola! I also use some small files to clean up an rough edges. I drill two holes in the handles, then screw in one flat headed wood screw in the upper hole, a small eye screw in the bottom hole, to attach them to the end of the box (I'm not using a neck-through that extends past the outer edge of the box; mine terminate inside the box). The eye screw thus gives me a place to attach my homemade braided strap.
Oily
You are limited only by your imagination.
AFKAM
Hi Ian
For that tailpiece, I used some pretty heavy brass that I had kicking around but the steel one is of a much lighter gauge. That one is only about 22 gauge. I picked up some nickel silver for another project I'm working on and that is 22 gauge. All the stress is pull tension so it doesn't need to be heavy if it is supported at the bend by the box.
The heavier gauge is a pain to bend and depending on the brass stock might even fracture. I had this happen to one where I tried to bend too tight a corner. The brass fractured and I needed to apply heat on the next one to get the tight angle I wanted. From there I just decided to use lighter stock as it is easier to deal with.
Ian david campbell said:
thanks don
all i build is 3 and 4strings. spacing i don't know. i just eyeball it and with my eyesight you can bet no 2 are alike or spaced evenly. my address is
mark quigley
1302 7th st
covington in 47932
Don Goguen said: