Original Kay tailpieces dangerous?

360guy · #1 12-19-2009, 09:08 AM

I think the original tailpieces on the Kays featured oversize string slots. It looks like the ball end of a string could easily slip loose.

I'd like to keep the original tailpiece on the bass for cosmetic reasons but I feel it isn't safe. I wonder if the tailpiece could be made safer? Maybe by adding a piece of wood behind the slots. It wouldn't be visible and the string wouldn't slip out.

Perhaps it's a myth but rumor has it that if a string under full tension lets loose at the tailpiece it could really hurt someone. Anyone live through such an event?

salcott · #2 12-19-2009, 09:14 AM

How about an appropriately sized washer?

keiranohara · #3 12-19-2009, 11:49 AM

Another idea would be to make a piece that matched the radius of the back of the tailpiece and drill holes for the strings. It could be tack glued, permanently attached, or just held in with string tention. Materials also are options, any old hardwood would work, but I would match the original tailpiece (be it ebony or rosewood)....

Fletcher Lanning · #4 12-19-2009, 01:07 PM

The holes on Kay tailpieces are shaped with a larger hole that tapers towards the bridge. If you do not get it set in the slot properly before you tighten the string, it could easily come loose. If, as you tighten it, you make sure that the ball end is under the tailpiece and the string is in that slot, it will not come loose.

Johnny Atomic · #5 12-24-2009, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 360guy

I think the original tailpieces on the Kays featured oversize string slots. It looks like the ball end of a string could easily slip loose.

I'd like to keep the original tailpiece on the bass for cosmetic reasons but I feel it isn't safe. I wonder if the tailpiece could be made safer? Maybe by adding a piece of wood behind the slots. It wouldn't be visible and the string wouldn't slip out.

Perhaps it's a myth but rumor has it that if a string under full tension lets loose at the tailpiece it could really hurt someone. Anyone live through such an event?

If this was really a problem, most of the old kays you see would have a non-orig tailpiece. Most old Kays still have an orig tailpiece, this is a non-issue. You need to find something else to worry about.

wayne holmes · #6 12-25-2009, 04:34 PM

It shouldn't be a problem at all, but if there is a concern about it being dangerous(IMO-it's not)I would put some kind of washer on them.

If the strings are properly installed and tuned, it would be very rare if one came out-IME with Kays or any bass. Good luck!