Hey friends,
The tailpiece on my DG 300 recently started rattling when I play. Is repairing this as simple as buying a new tailpiece, or is it possibly have something to do with how it's attached. I would hate to buy a new one and still have the same stupid problem. From a basic visual analysis, I can't see how it's happening.
I know it's the tailpiece by the way, because I can make it stop by stuffing tissue under it. Unfortunately, that also greatly diminishes the sound quality.
anthony
Comments
There should be a piece of felt under the tailpiece where it goes over the edge of the top. It should extend inward far enough so that nothing but the felt is touching the top.
Check the insert. This is usually ebony and has slots around the edges to slide onto the metal work. The insert could be rattling in the slots. You can probably dampen it by just pressing down on the insert while testing. If this is it, remove the tailpiece, slide the insert out and do what you need to to make it more secure. Maybe a little silicon sealant or DAP caulk (black).
Check for loose string studs. If tissue under the tailpiece stops it, try holding the tailpiece is various places to dampen the vibration. If that doesn't do it, do the same to the top around the tailpiece. Sooner or later, you'll hit the thing that is doing it.
There are many things you can do to fix the rattle - dabs of rubber cement around the edge (underside... take the tailpiece off and do it on the underside if dabs of glue bother you) Or for a more permanent fix, you can glue it with more permanent glues, or even put leather across the back. I've seen many ways of doing it. But then again, that rattle, if it happens seasonally, is a canary in a coal mine. It might be telling you to humidify, particularly if the guitar sounds reverberant or pingy as they often do when they get too dry.
sealant. I would recommend NOT doing this as it will leave traces that no amount of acetone cleaning can ever completely remove, so if it does not do the trick and a stronger adhesive is required the silicon contamination will prevent any adhesive from sticking to the required surfaces. I always try to avoid using silicon based products for this reason.
Honestly, what I use for inserts when one needs tacking down is SikaFlex marine one part polyurethane sealant, but I figured this might not be readily available to everyone.
Bob's suggestion of rubber cement is a good one. DAP caulk is still a good option I think. Plain old white or yellow glue (Elmers, Titebond) would probably work okay too. It doesn't take much whatever you use, this is not a structural problem, just trying to secure the insert so it does not rattle.
Wear proper no VOC mask and gloves and eye protection. Works a treat but don't ge t any on a finish you want to keep.
I like leather under the tailpiece. Felt is traditional which is fine if its thick enough but leather actually protects the binding more effectively and does not fray . You can get red or green polished split hide from a leather or fabric supply house.
As far as being only decorative, that's heretofore been my supposition, but every other decorative element of a traditional acoustic guitar I can think of has some functional purpose that underlies it. Well, there are those nails and rhinestones Busato used on the headstock and pick guards :-), but all the traditional elements have a functional basis. The rosette keeps the top from splitting around the soundhole, for instance. The insert just seems like too much trouble to be solely decorative. If they wanted decoration, why not just stick something on or include it in the stamping process.
I'll do a little testing this weekend and come back.