Tailpiece Riser/Shim

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Author Message oldlefty New Username: oldlefty Post Number: 1 Registered: 9-2014 Posted on Tuesday, September 09, 2014 - 12:17 pm:    Any opinions on what difference a solid metal tailpiece makes vs. a thinner tailpiece with a wood riser? Tone differences? mica Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 8263 Registered: 6-2000 Posted on Tuesday, September 09, 2014 - 1:24 pm:    Makes it a little lighter weight when you use the shim. Since you're talking about a part that outside the vibrating length of the string, it's not going to be something that dramatically impacts the tone. At least I've not been able to hear the difference. cje Intermediate Member Username: cje Post Number: 158 Registered: 5-2009 Posted on Tuesday, September 09, 2014 - 9:34 pm:    I'll tell you from personal experience that the shim adds an understated, mesmerizing detail that is a joy to behold in person - it's as if the tailpiece is floating above the top wood. davehouck Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 11506 Registered: 5-2002 Posted on Wednesday, September 10, 2014 - 10:53 am:    The tailpiece does actually float above the top wood. The shim is just an illusion, but it's so convincing that it even feels real when you touch it. slawie Senior Member Username: slawie Post Number: 657 Registered: 8-2002 Posted on Wednesday, September 10, 2014 - 5:35 pm:    I replaced mine with a solid brass tailpiece as the ball end for new strings would get caught in the wooden part as the holes were just not big enough for these new fangled strings with larger ball ends. flpete1uw Advanced Member Username: flpete1uw Post Number: 372 Registered: 11-2011 Posted on Wednesday, September 10, 2014 - 6:44 pm:    Slawie, We have the same year "75" Series. Did you notice anything other than the string fitting? I mean sound wise with the change to solid brass. I still have the wood / Brass type, no issues just curious? Thanks, Pete slawie Senior Member Username: slawie Post Number: 658 Registered: 8-2002 Posted on Wednesday, September 10, 2014 - 10:31 pm:    Pete, No changes whatsoever to the sound at all. The screw holes were in a different position so I had to drill out 2 new holes. (yikes!) I've had the bass for 27 odd years and only in the last couple of years changed the tailpiece. I got it at a real good price also. If I recall correctly someone from the club had it on Ebay when Jazzyvee posted a notice that it was for sale. Anyhow there is no discernible difference in the sound that I can hear, then again I am old and ear wounded from years of playing. I just did a search and it was back in 2010. Man time surely does fly!