QUESTION

I am very confused I have been checking on the Internet for information pertaining t a real 1959 Gibson Les Paul Tailpiece and have found many conf;icting bits of information. I see by your site that you specialize in these parts and have a good reputation what should i be looking for in a real tailpiece

REPLY

Thank you for e mail well to begin with this is a very very hard thing to explain only because there are so any fakes and forgeries out that that look really good. There are companies now that specialize in these vintage reproductions and i will admit some are remarkable close and some near undetectable so beware and be warned this is uncharted territory for the novice.

The Gibson stop tailpiece was first introduced in 1954 on Les Paul Customs and in late 1955 on Les Paul standard goldtops with tunomatic bridges. An finally in 1958 on Les Paul standards in sunburst . So there is a limited number of real tailpieces out there I would say that 85% are still on the original guitars so do the math that does not leave many floating around. Most you will find came off refinished guitar or broken guitars were they were to valuable to leave on the instruments and a repro would do just fine.

Ok first they are light weight and should have an aged patina and no adjustment screws. he center seem down the back of the tailpiece should have another seem in the center laid on top of the other seem creating a thick overlap mark about a 1/2 inch long that is not an exact figure. so the center of the seem will be thicker. There will be file marks on the bottom of tailpiece by the end ears of the tailpiece and they will we on an angle not horizontal to the tailpiece.

The controversial part sis inside the ears were the studs hook on some have pin marks from the cast a circle in the center in back and some do not that is a fact and is correct i have seen loads of burst and vintage guitar and they came both ways. For the most part the tops of the tailpiece is rounded smooth and and is even like a new one but on several occasions including original owner guitar I have  has seen a slight and i mean slight ridge on top running across not a line but a slight ridge you can feel and is visible only on close inspection. Most do not so do not worry.

This being said do not take this information and run out and buy one look at real ones look at a vintage collection look closely at books. IN HAND IS TEH ONLY WAY TO TELL IF IT IS REAL . A picture can help but you can photo shop anything. If you buy one get approval and have it checkout by an expert . I can supply you with a list of reputable guys. Please be careful this is a dangerous territory for the uninitiated.

I hope this helps a bit i Will gladly inspect or look at any photos or info you have or Will gladly point you in the correct direction if you really need one . Please e mail me at THE PARTS DRAWER and i will answer your questions within 48 hours.

Jim Pasch