I'm in need of some funds for a trip I'm going on and I pulled put some extra bass parts I had lying around to sell. I pulled out an antique 3 string tailpiece that I forgot I had! It's very big, maybe a tailpiece that was on an old large bass before they converted it and cut it down. Anyways, it's not ebony. It looks to be maple or something that has Very dark red finish on it that looks black in the right lighting. I'm just curiouse if I can try to age it, I'm sure there is no market for old 3 string tailpieces so I'll probobly hold on to this one.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Double Bass When did they start using ebony for tailpieces?
- Thread starter chris1125
- Start date
Jake deVilliers
Commercial User
- May 24, 2006
- 6,349
- 607
- Disclosures
- Owner of The Bass Spa, String Repairman at Long & McQuade Vancouver
Hey Chris,
I also have an interest as to when Ebony tailpieces became the norm, though perhaps for different reasons.
I think basses until fairly recently were fitted with pear or maple tailpieces and that they sound better than the much heavier ebony versions. Ebony would have been in short supply until there were regular voyages of cargo vessels sailing around the Cape of Good Hope and even then it would have been very expensive.
Can you send me a couple of close up pix of your tailpiece, front and back?
I also have an interest as to when Ebony tailpieces became the norm, though perhaps for different reasons.
I think basses until fairly recently were fitted with pear or maple tailpieces and that they sound better than the much heavier ebony versions. Ebony would have been in short supply until there were regular voyages of cargo vessels sailing around the Cape of Good Hope and even then it would have been very expensive.
Can you send me a couple of close up pix of your tailpiece, front and back?
