Pimping out my Sable

[tdq]

Originally Posted by Braindead

So what is the downside of a tailpiece?

I think the idea is that a tailpiece is good for archtops and the like as you get a lot of downward pressure on the soundboard as they have high bridges. A tailpiece on a flattop with a low bridge you get a lot less pressure, which is why they tend not to be used - pressure is good for tone and volume. At least that's my take, happy to be corrected, I'm no luthier.

Having said that, I often use a tailpiece (of sorts) on my cigar box builds because it's just a lot easier....

[GuitarDoc]

Originally Posted by byudzai

6'3". Actually the world's most awkward ninja.

I figured it out after I realized you weren’t playing a parlor Guitar

[BT55]

Brilliant use of technology. I love innovation. Other posters are right, your idea is well worth consideration by OEM’s.

[Braindead]

Originally Posted by tdq

I think the idea is that a tailpiece is good for archtops and the like as you get a lot of downward pressure on the soundboard as they have high bridges. A tailpiece on a flattop with a low bridge you get a lot less pressure, which is why they tend not to be used - pressure is good for tone and volume. At least that's my take, happy to be corrected, I'm no luthier.

Having said that, I often use a tailpiece (of sorts) on my cigar box builds because it's just a lot easier....

I disagree re the bridge height. My recently lowered bridge height is not low at all. The tailpieces on my two OLD guitars seem to have protected the tops from too much downward pressure as both tops are quite flat and even. Maybe I should ask how much downward pressure is necessary for a solid even contact between the bridge and top. What benefit is derived from more pressure once the two surfaces are evenly mated???

[tdq]

Originally Posted by Braindead

I disagree re the bridge height. My recently lowered bridge height is not low at all. The tailpieces on my two OLD guitars seem to have protected the tops from too much downward pressure as both tops are quite flat and even. Maybe I should ask how much downward pressure is necessary for a solid even contact between the bridge and top. What benefit is derived from more pressure once the two surfaces are evenly mated???

Lower tension means lower volume - the energy doesn't transfer to the sound board as efficiently. That's why heavier strings and higher action give you more volume. The trade off, of course, is playability.
I found a discussion on the pros/cons of tailpieces here

[Braindead]

Originally Posted by tdq

Lower tension means lower volume - the energy doesn't transfer to the sound board as efficiently. That's why heavier strings and higher action give you more volume. The trade off, of course, is playability.
I found a discussion on the pros/cons of tailpieces here

That is an interesting read! However, I am not convinced.

[nickv6]

On a flat top type guitar you should get more volume if the bridge contacts the soundboard in just two places. The lighter the bridge the better too. So, for instance, on a Maccaferri (I know it has a crown but it's not a carved top) the best ones sound when the bridge which looks solid has been hollowed out and carved for two feet if you look carefully.
The way a tailpoece guitar transfers vibrations to the top is quite different from a fixed bridge.
Nick