• Guys, we've spent considerable money converting the Les Paul Forum to this new XenForo platform, and we have ongoing monthly operating expenses. THE "DONATIONS" TAB IS NOW WORKING, AND WE WOULD APPRECIATE ANY DONATIONS YOU CAN MAKE TO KEEP THE LES PAUL FORUM GOING! Thank you!

Wrap around T. P. question

Russ

Member
Joined
May 11, 2004
Messages
311
Hey all,
I've been playing one of my wrap-around tailpiece Les Pauls a lot lately.
It seems after 50+ years, small indention's in the tailpiece have formed. It definitely affects the way the notes ring on the G,B, and high E strings.
It has a 'sitar' effect!
And, it is affecting sustain and the 'trueness' of the note.
Besides the obvious (get another old one in better shape, or a 'pigtail' type replacement),
Is there a way to fix this one...I ask before I get the file out!!!
IMG_0155_2.jpg
 

bigjimsguitars

New member
Joined
Sep 12, 2005
Messages
3,890
I would try to lightly buff it out and see if that helps...otherwise a pigtail and keep the original in the case...
 

gmann

Well-known member
Joined
May 26, 2003
Messages
6,140
Yeah try the buffing thing. This happens to all of mine and most people I imagine. I wouldn't recommend filing it. All of mine have Pigtails.
 

Steve Rowen

New member
Joined
Feb 11, 2004
Messages
190
This is not intended as spam in any way, but leave your tailpiece as it is! Even if your tailpiece is worn, leaving it unmolested will impact your instruments value from $500-several thousand, because provenance is everything. I have loads of customers, that like you, have chosen to "Pigtail" for playability, and avoid potentially damaging their instruments. If you alter your existing hardware, you'll cost yourself significantly even if it's not straight out of your pocket.
 

bigjimsguitars

New member
Joined
Sep 12, 2005
Messages
3,890
This is not intended as spam in any way, but leave your tailpiece as it is! Even if your tailpiece is worn, leaving it unmolested will impact your instruments value from $500-several thousand, because provenance is everything. I have loads of customers, that like you, have chosen to "Pigtail" for playability, and avoid potentially damaging their instruments. If you alter your existing hardware, you'll cost yourself significantly even if it's not straight out of your pocket.

Pigtail is a direct retro fit part that doesn't require any brains to install and more importantly, doesn't alter the guitar in any way...if you are going to sell it, simply put back on the original wrap and there is no harm, no foul!
 

JIMI55LP

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 28, 2005
Messages
1,587
Pigtail, yes! Your guitar will perform the way you want and you can keep the original in todays condition to maintain provenance in case you do sell the guitar. I would not plate it, as most folks have complained about the results of that. The wraptails sell often on the auction sites, perhaps you can find one and sell yours, as yours doesn't look as bad as two that I've bought on Ebay in the past.
 

BCR/Greg

Les Paul Forum Member and Host of Guitar Shop
Joined
Jul 21, 2001
Messages
2,802
I have Pigtails on ALL of my Juniors.

Steve did it right.

I have a showcase full of them waiting for you guys, call me.
 

jb_abides

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 6, 2005
Messages
5,245
Seems like full-blown advocation of the Pigtail... what do folks thing of the P'Tails as compared to the new version of TonePros wraparound, the AVT-II?

I have a RI 54 JB LP Stinger and SG Jr with plain ol' top-wrapping stoptails that I am thinking of swapping over to intonatable Wraparounds... a consideration for me is how easy it is to re-orient the saddles for left-handed set-up...

thoughts?

:salude
 

jb_abides

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 6, 2005
Messages
5,245
Seems like full-blown advocation of the Pigtail... what do folks thing of the P'Tails as compared to the new version of TonePros wraparound, the AVT-II?

I have a RI 54 JB LP Stinger and SG Jr with plain ol' top-wrapping stoptails that I am thinking of swapping over to intonatable Wraparounds... a consideration for me is how easy it is to re-orient the saddles for left-handed set-up...

thoughts?

:salude

Bump....?
 

copernicus

Member
Joined
Feb 28, 2007
Messages
64
I had the "sitar" effect on my 1960 Junior, but it had less to do with wear on the wrap-around (which is in a lot worse shape than yours) than with me moving the wrap-around back to improve intonation, pushing it out of its studs and causing it to lean forward, leaving the strings to buzz against its surface which, by the way, is exactly how the bone bridge of a sitar works.
You may want to check if this is the case with your Junior.
If so, only heavier strings or a badass-type wrap-around bridge will solve your problem. Pigtail makes one:

http://www.pigtailmusic.com/pigtailImages/intonatable_bridge_lg.jpg
 
Top