Official Luthiers Forum!

On Benedetto's tailpieces he uses that little fulcrum that rests on the top. I don't want to use that, not because I'm worried about it deadening the top (It's over the tail block so how could it really?). I just don't want anything resting on the finish. If I just make the bone saddle a little higher and rounded over like a violins will I have any break angle issues? Is there anything else that I should be aware of when doing this?
Jason

I wouldn't think you'd have any issues at all, but I'm no expert by any means. Perhaps some people with lots more experience will now chime in.

Best thing me would think is....go take a real good look at a violin. That tail piece is not touching the deck at all and is in suspension from the strings and the tail piece gut cord.

the
Padma

_________________
.

Audiences and dispensations on Thursdays ~ by appointment only.


.

I've done it both ways and prefer the "violin" approach. My last two were like that. (Recent "registration pin" thread has a pic)

_________________
Dave
Milton, ON

Sorry I'm so late with this but I just joined today. While scanning the forum I couldn't help but notice this one because I do have some experience with this. I recently built several archtop guitars during an apprenticeship that had the violin style saddle over which the tailpiece strap would rest. On many of these over a period of several months there was some give under the enormous string tension, causing them to buckle a bit. These were mostly ebony saddles, a few were bone, 3/16" high (above the binding), 1 1/4" wide and approx. 3/8" deep. Just something to think about.

_________________
www.wilkiestringedinstruments.com