What does a banjo tailpiece do?
A tailpiece adjusted down closer to the head will give your banjo a crisper, brighter tone. A tailpiece adjusted looser – farther away from the head will do the opposite. Adjust the tailpiece down to the tension that gives your banjo the tone you desire.
What is a no knot tailpiece?
A No Knot tailpiece is a type of banjo tailpiece designed around the turn of the 20th century. It was created to solve the problem of having to tie a knot with the gut strings that were being used at that time to attach the strings to the tailpiece.
How tight should a tailpiece be on a banjo?
Step #3 – CHECK TAILPIECE POSITION When the tension on the banjo head is correct, the base of the tailpiece should be about 2 – 3 mm (5⁄64″ to 1⁄8″) above the tension hoop. Check the adjusting screw to change the tension of the strings. I tighten this screw only to minimum tension, just enough not to be loose.
What is the purpose of a tailpiece on a guitar?
Tailpieces are important as they serve the main function to anchor the strings to the body of the guitar. Because of the constant tension on the strings the tailpieces have to be strong enough to withstand the combined tension of the strings to hold a solid tuning.
Are there any tailpieces as adjustable as the Oettinger?
Few tailpieces are as adjustable as the Oettinger and none that are, look better. In the picture to the right you can see a typical set up that works in most situations. The downward pressure on the 3rd and 4th strings has been increased and the downward pressure on the 1st, 2nd and 5th strings has been reduced.
What is an Oettinger banjo tailpiece?
In the early 1920s an American named Mark A. Oettinger came up with a design that allowed the downward pressure of individual strings to be adjusted. It was both beautiful and functional and it has, over the years, become iconic. Some consider it the ultimate piece of banjo bling. Original Oettinger tailpieces can command prices of over $500!
What are the different types of tailpieces used by guitar luthiers?
There are four main types of tailpieces used by guitar luthiers, so let’s take a look at them below. 1. Stop Tailpiece 2. Trapeze 3. Vibrato 4. Wrap-around 1. Stop Tailpiece This design usually consists of a metal alloy shaped into a bar and fitted using screws into the body of the guitar.
What is a stop tailpiece on a guitar?
Stop Tailpiece This design usually consists of a metal alloy shaped into a bar and fitted using screws into the body of the guitar. The alloy itself often contains either zinc, brass or aluminum. Most guitarists prefer aluminum stop tailpieces for their vintage edge, lightweight build and good resonance.