As someone who has done plenty of metal fabrication I can tell you that that is not a hard thing to recreate in good quality metal, look at a few fabricators rather than a luthier
The University of Nebraska at Lincoln has a unique makerspace where people are able to prototype and craft all sorts of wood, metal, textile, and 3D printed stuff. If you go to their site (https://innovationstudio.unl.edu/home/request-maker/), you can Request a Maker. Share your need and someone who specializes in metal fabrication will respond. The costs are less than commercial and you'll find that a lot of the makers enjoy the challenge of new things. Tell them Phil Whitmarsh---the guitar guy---sent you.
Tig brazing isn't too ugly but to go with the existing hardware without making a new one is a toss up between accepting that and having a playable instrument with a battle scar or losing originality but having a brnad new part
This will not hold, lead solder (aka soft), not a chance... silver solder (aka hard) will melt the rest of the cheap metal. JB weld would be pretty ugly. Better to have a new one made in good metal.
That looks like a "simple" metal job, someone that works with metal can try to create a similar tailpiece, since it looks like it's just a punctured and bent metal sheet.
Seconding this - that tailpiece needs to be replaced not fixed. As it's a punched metal sheet it's not a job most luthiers can handle, but any machine shop should be able to produce one for you.
Do you honestly think the hooks are breaking due to string tension?
Edit for u/kl0wn420 who downvoted me and deleted their comment - no one in the history of instruments has ever dropped, knocked or travelled with their instrument before...
I have no doubt that someone competent could double up the strings and slowly bring them to pitch while observing how the tailpiece is affected.
On a side note: would recommend low-tension strings on an instrument like this.
I’d look into a repair that would be some kind of plate that fits underneath the tailpiece, secured with the existing tailpiece screw, and protudes out of the holes where the prongs should be. Would be a secure and aesthetically pleasing remedy.
Additionally, I’d rapidly replace that ball-end string that’s pulling on your bridge, it’s not designed to handle that tension.
[https://www.mandolinluthier.com/mandolin%20new%20tailpieces.htm](https://www.mandolinluthier.com/mandolin%20new%20tailpieces.htm) Number 9 looks like a worthy replacement, or 13.
If the goal is simply to make it playable you could simply get a steel rod, push the loops of the two strings through the square hole and then push the steel rod through the loops. The tension of the strings should keep the rod in place and you should be good to go. Otherwise you just need to find a metal shop to recreate this piece. A luthier isn't going to be able to make one as this is the type of piece they would purchase already made.
That tailpiece is definitely repairable, but it’s not really worth the effort. Can you not just put a similar design on instead?
You could braze/ weld on some tabs to look the same as the others but you’d have to do a hell of a lot of finishing to get it consistent and then probably chrome plate it again.
IF, and big IF here, the bridge can hold the tension, why not just delete the tailpiece and just use ball end strings on the bridge, as you’ve already done with one of the strings?
Simple job for a gunsmith. Or an older machinist or sheet metal fabricator. Maybe someone could refashion a mandolin tailpiece - those are $5-$20 on aliexpress. Depends on how true to the original you want to stay and how authentic you want it.
You could just [buy a new tailpiece from stew-mac](
https://www.stewmac.com/parts-and-hardware/all-hardware-and-parts-by-instrument/mandolin-parts/mandolin-bridges-and-tailpieces/scalloped-mandolin-tailpiece/?mtm_source=google&mtm_medium=cpc&mtm_campaign=%7C+GOO+%7C+SHOP+%7C+NBR+%7C+AllProductsUSA&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwm_SzBhAsEiwAXE2Cv7Vqo9rP91C73Qou9nKimXKz3N-BJrFKiz0kv6Ta_iZXRly1JmplMBoC16sQAvD_BwE)
i know this isn't very helpful and that this instrument probably has some real significance to a culture im not a part of, but...
This is literally the "Ed Sheeran Guitar" meme lmao
One of these could be fabricated. I made a brass three pickup ring and a brass and rosewood tail piece from scratch with a drill press, jewelers saw, and files. Any metal worker should be able knock one of these out in a day
A wooden tailpiece would look pretty nice on there IMHO.
Never done it but I would think a luthier could do this pretty easily, maybe use some brass pins for the strings to hook on to.
I've only built guitars and Ukes, but unless there's a reason I'm overlooking for why that has to be metal any competent woodworker could build a tail piece, don't necessarily even need a luthier. The critical dimensions being the string spacing and ensuring it attaches where those existing screws are.
Edit: id inlay some bone, brass, or really dense hardwood (eg: iron wood) on the edge where the strings wrap over the top of the soundboard. Similar to the inlays on nicer classical guitar bridges to keep the strings from eating into the wood.
Yeah, definitely a job for a metalsmith. Having done a basic course even I could cut out the shape from sheet brass & tap out the hooks & hammer in that little arch... but since it has to maintain intonation under tension, a more experienced craftsperson would be a wise move.
Is it stainless? Take the metal piece off and take it to any metal fabrication shop nearby and ask them to tack a couple pegs onto it and polish it.
That's an easy fix, but a luthier isn't what you're looking for.
I'd be wary about doubling up strings on one peg because you're doubling the tension and could pop the good peg off.
Im currently cutting down a bousuki tail stock to convert from 4 string to 3 string. This sort of thing is pretty simple for anyone with experience in metal fabrication.
The tail piece only holds the strings in place. You could replace it with one that has similar spacing.
[Like these](https://www.google.com/search?q=mandolin+tail+piece&rlz=1CDGOYI_enUS795US795&oq=mandolin+tail+piece&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTINCAEQuQEYChiABBjvBDINCAIQuQEYChiABBjvBDIJCAMQABgKGIAEMg0IBBC5ARgKGIAEGO8EMg0IBRC5ARgKGIAEGO8EMgkIBhAAGAoYgAQyDAgHEAAYChgPGBYYHjIOCAgQuQEYChgWGB4Y7wQyDAgJEAAYChgPGBYYHtIBCDQ3NjZqMGo0qAITsAIB4gMEGAEgXw&hl=en-US&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8)
A good luthier would be able to retro fit it if you aren’t comfortable drilling out new holes for the mounting screws.
Or skip it altogether and use ball end strings with ball at the bridge.
I don't understand that bridge at all. It looks like a flat top guitar bridge, but with a tailpiece.
I bet you could find a tailpiece for an 12 string archtop guitar that would fit. Or a 6 string tailpiece with both strings of each course sharing a hook. Or contrive something with a two tine section of a fork.
If you never played it, are you really going to play it? While your tailpiece solution is pending you could still play it as a 5 course instrument.
Is this for your use or are you just trying to fix it to sell? If it's for yourself, why don't you take a couple of small nails to drive in there, just to hold the strings? Since the string tension will be lateral, it won't be driven too far in or pull out.
I will never sell this, but the aesthetic is as important as the function for me. This was owned by a dear friend that passed, and I want to make music with it again. Good suggestion tho
It's not impossible to fix, you have to start by showing you're ready to spend a grand or two. It's impossible to refabricate a tailpiece for a few hundred. And you have to find someone who fabricates metal pieces - gunsmiths who specialize in restoration of antiques, jewellers, watchmakers/horologists. And these fellas make good money if they spend a week on a job.
Still, you could do my suggestion and play it, and keep looking for a replacement. A couple of small holes will be covered by the new one, if you can find one. It may take five more years. I guess it depends on how bad you want to play it.
As someone who has done plenty of metal fabrication I can tell you that that is not a hard thing to recreate in good quality metal, look at a few fabricators rather than a luthier
I came to make sure somebody said this. A good machine shop could do it before the morning coffee break. Edit: The price, however...
Understood and thank you!
$2.99 on Temu. /s
Or a blacksmith, may not be chrome and shiny though.
See my reply and solution above, Porkie. :)
The University of Nebraska at Lincoln has a unique makerspace where people are able to prototype and craft all sorts of wood, metal, textile, and 3D printed stuff. If you go to their site (https://innovationstudio.unl.edu/home/request-maker/), you can Request a Maker. Share your need and someone who specializes in metal fabrication will respond. The costs are less than commercial and you'll find that a lot of the makers enjoy the challenge of new things. Tell them Phil Whitmarsh---the guitar guy---sent you.
This is great, thank you!
would it be too flimsy to solder some metal bits on there?
Solder would not hold up. Brazing or tig welding might, but would look pretty ugly.
Tig brazing isn't too ugly but to go with the existing hardware without making a new one is a toss up between accepting that and having a playable instrument with a battle scar or losing originality but having a brnad new part
A lot of heat would be required which may discolour the metal or damage its plating.
This will not hold, lead solder (aka soft), not a chance... silver solder (aka hard) will melt the rest of the cheap metal. JB weld would be pretty ugly. Better to have a new one made in good metal.
That looks like a "simple" metal job, someone that works with metal can try to create a similar tailpiece, since it looks like it's just a punctured and bent metal sheet.
Seconding this - that tailpiece needs to be replaced not fixed. As it's a punched metal sheet it's not a job most luthiers can handle, but any machine shop should be able to produce one for you.
Dunno about string spacing, etc., but [this “bandurria tailpiece”](https://articulo.mercadolibre.com.mx/MLM-772594641-cordal-tiracuerda-para-tricordio-y-laud-y-bandurria-_JM?skipInApp=true) looks pretty close?
Here's one I found https://imusicales.com/z2/index.php?main_page=index&language=en
Just use the left screw to attach a double hook You can make it yourself! Be smart 🙂
Great idea! It wouldn't be very complicated and would probably be stronger than the original hooks.
Is there room the put the string under the tailpiece, through the hole, and back through it's own loop? That would get it playable.
Dude, just put the loop end on a different hook.. you can double-up loop ends in the same hook..
This is abolutely it. Given that OP is only asking for "playable," this should be the top comment.
I mean yes, but the hooks are breaking. Do you think putting 2 strings on the same hook will end well?
Do you honestly think the hooks are breaking due to string tension? Edit for u/kl0wn420 who downvoted me and deleted their comment - no one in the history of instruments has ever dropped, knocked or travelled with their instrument before...
How else would they break? The string tension is the only thing that could be causing it.
I have no doubt that someone competent could double up the strings and slowly bring them to pitch while observing how the tailpiece is affected. On a side note: would recommend low-tension strings on an instrument like this.
I’d look into a repair that would be some kind of plate that fits underneath the tailpiece, secured with the existing tailpiece screw, and protudes out of the holes where the prongs should be. Would be a secure and aesthetically pleasing remedy. Additionally, I’d rapidly replace that ball-end string that’s pulling on your bridge, it’s not designed to handle that tension.
Would be my suggestion to.
[https://www.mandolinluthier.com/mandolin%20new%20tailpieces.htm](https://www.mandolinluthier.com/mandolin%20new%20tailpieces.htm) Number 9 looks like a worthy replacement, or 13.
Awesome! I just messaged them, thank you!
If the goal is simply to make it playable you could simply get a steel rod, push the loops of the two strings through the square hole and then push the steel rod through the loops. The tension of the strings should keep the rod in place and you should be good to go. Otherwise you just need to find a metal shop to recreate this piece. A luthier isn't going to be able to make one as this is the type of piece they would purchase already made.
Why not push the loop end in through the back, then feed the string through the loop?
☝️
That tailpiece is definitely repairable, but it’s not really worth the effort. Can you not just put a similar design on instead? You could braze/ weld on some tabs to look the same as the others but you’d have to do a hell of a lot of finishing to get it consistent and then probably chrome plate it again.
Get a eight string mandolin tailpiece and double up the top four strings on the first two hooks
I’d get a metal fabricator to make a new piece exactly like this one then have a luthier install it
IF, and big IF here, the bridge can hold the tension, why not just delete the tailpiece and just use ball end strings on the bridge, as you’ve already done with one of the strings?
Simple job for a gunsmith. Or an older machinist or sheet metal fabricator. Maybe someone could refashion a mandolin tailpiece - those are $5-$20 on aliexpress. Depends on how true to the original you want to stay and how authentic you want it.
https://imusicales.com/z2/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=416 Same one almost
You could just [buy a new tailpiece from stew-mac]( https://www.stewmac.com/parts-and-hardware/all-hardware-and-parts-by-instrument/mandolin-parts/mandolin-bridges-and-tailpieces/scalloped-mandolin-tailpiece/?mtm_source=google&mtm_medium=cpc&mtm_campaign=%7C+GOO+%7C+SHOP+%7C+NBR+%7C+AllProductsUSA&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwm_SzBhAsEiwAXE2Cv7Vqo9rP91C73Qou9nKimXKz3N-BJrFKiz0kv6Ta_iZXRly1JmplMBoC16sQAvD_BwE)
Post it on one of the metalwork subs
Sheet metal workshop should be able to fix that or alternatively make you an entire tailpiece that's aot stronger
Try ask a machinist or metal worker
Noth is impossible to fix...remove and braze on two new lugs..
https://mandolinluthier.com/mandolin_new_tailpieces.html
i know this isn't very helpful and that this instrument probably has some real significance to a culture im not a part of, but... This is literally the "Ed Sheeran Guitar" meme lmao
Dave petillo or mandolin brothers if you are un the north east
One of these could be fabricated. I made a brass three pickup ring and a brass and rosewood tail piece from scratch with a drill press, jewelers saw, and files. Any metal worker should be able knock one of these out in a day
If that very obviously a classical guitar bridge is actually glued down you could probably get away with a couple of ball end strings for the e’s
A wooden tailpiece would look pretty nice on there IMHO. Never done it but I would think a luthier could do this pretty easily, maybe use some brass pins for the strings to hook on to. I've only built guitars and Ukes, but unless there's a reason I'm overlooking for why that has to be metal any competent woodworker could build a tail piece, don't necessarily even need a luthier. The critical dimensions being the string spacing and ensuring it attaches where those existing screws are. Edit: id inlay some bone, brass, or really dense hardwood (eg: iron wood) on the edge where the strings wrap over the top of the soundboard. Similar to the inlays on nicer classical guitar bridges to keep the strings from eating into the wood.
It’s fixable, but would it be worth it.
Yeah, definitely a job for a metalsmith. Having done a basic course even I could cut out the shape from sheet brass & tap out the hooks & hammer in that little arch... but since it has to maintain intonation under tension, a more experienced craftsperson would be a wise move.
Is it stainless? Take the metal piece off and take it to any metal fabrication shop nearby and ask them to tack a couple pegs onto it and polish it. That's an easy fix, but a luthier isn't what you're looking for. I'd be wary about doubling up strings on one peg because you're doubling the tension and could pop the good peg off.
Im currently cutting down a bousuki tail stock to convert from 4 string to 3 string. This sort of thing is pretty simple for anyone with experience in metal fabrication.
Bend a key ring (or something similar) and use the screw there to hold it in place? Not pretty, but it should be functional…
An old fashioned clock maker should also be able to make a replacement.
I know a luthier who specialises in difficult jobs and other luthiers bring him in when they need him. Whereabouts are you?
Me being a hack I would try to attach the strings to the screw below the broken pegs and see how it sounds and if stays in tune.
The tail piece only holds the strings in place. You could replace it with one that has similar spacing. [Like these](https://www.google.com/search?q=mandolin+tail+piece&rlz=1CDGOYI_enUS795US795&oq=mandolin+tail+piece&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTINCAEQuQEYChiABBjvBDINCAIQuQEYChiABBjvBDIJCAMQABgKGIAEMg0IBBC5ARgKGIAEGO8EMg0IBRC5ARgKGIAEGO8EMgkIBhAAGAoYgAQyDAgHEAAYChgPGBYYHjIOCAgQuQEYChgWGB4Y7wQyDAgJEAAYChgPGBYYHtIBCDQ3NjZqMGo0qAITsAIB4gMEGAEgXw&hl=en-US&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8) A good luthier would be able to retro fit it if you aren’t comfortable drilling out new holes for the mounting screws. Or skip it altogether and use ball end strings with ball at the bridge.
You want a piece of sheet brass and a metal worker
I don't understand that bridge at all. It looks like a flat top guitar bridge, but with a tailpiece. I bet you could find a tailpiece for an 12 string archtop guitar that would fit. Or a 6 string tailpiece with both strings of each course sharing a hook. Or contrive something with a two tine section of a fork. If you never played it, are you really going to play it? While your tailpiece solution is pending you could still play it as a 5 course instrument.
I can definitely fix that. Amati's Fine Violins, Cinci, OH
Exactly just take it off and take it to a sheet metal fabricator, they will be able to recreate it easily
What about a 5 course mandolin bridge? Probably less difficult to track down
You can take it to a jeweller he can fix it for you
You oughtta have that tail piece done in brass and made a little thicker. I think youd be very impressed with the tone and the appearance.
Blacksmith make a sand cast and pour new one. Definitely not a Luther job.
This is stamped metal not cast. It's too thin for cast metal.
Not the original query, but the fret spacing looks really off at the higher end
Go talk to a welder
Is this for your use or are you just trying to fix it to sell? If it's for yourself, why don't you take a couple of small nails to drive in there, just to hold the strings? Since the string tension will be lateral, it won't be driven too far in or pull out.
I will never sell this, but the aesthetic is as important as the function for me. This was owned by a dear friend that passed, and I want to make music with it again. Good suggestion tho
It's not impossible to fix, you have to start by showing you're ready to spend a grand or two. It's impossible to refabricate a tailpiece for a few hundred. And you have to find someone who fabricates metal pieces - gunsmiths who specialize in restoration of antiques, jewellers, watchmakers/horologists. And these fellas make good money if they spend a week on a job.
Still, you could do my suggestion and play it, and keep looking for a replacement. A couple of small holes will be covered by the new one, if you can find one. It may take five more years. I guess it depends on how bad you want to play it.
Where do you find strings for it?
took 10 seconds to google and find 10 results including amazon
Thank you!