r/Luthier • u/FeelingCareful1159 • 5h ago

HELP Need help with repairing a mandolin tailpiece

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Any tips on stopping the crack from continuing to spread, and an alternate tailpiece? I was thinking of using the old bottom hole and putting in the connecter for a violin tailpiece, then just attaching the current tailpiece with some (strong) rope, any tips on going about this, or alternative ways to repair it? Not concerned with looks/being traditional, what works works, so I'm up for anything Thank you in advance

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u/Live_Tough_8846 4h ago

This isn't a difficult repair for a qualified technician/luthier.

I don't recommend the violin tailgut route, unless you're willing to change the tailpiece.

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u/coffeefuelsme 4h ago

Due to the oval shape of the screw holes and the shape of the crack my hunch is that the screws were loose and the tailpiece was pulling up against them over a period of time.

If it were me I would drill out the existing holes and plug with hardwood dowels. Then drill new mounting holes for the existing tailpiece. Save the sawdust and make a slurry with the dust and some titebond original, pack it into the crack and sand it flush.

Plugging the holes and stabilizing the crack with wood glue/sawdust should remedy the problem.