How can I use this cool piece?

by Jo Jacobsen

Jun 14, 2022

I have this brass saddle rosette that's vintage Civil War. It's 2 1/2 inches wide. It would be nice if it could go flat on the top somehow with the strings going through drilled holes.

Or even better, it goes on top of a piece of hardwood in a crescent shape that has ferrules for the strings. It would poke up just over the bottom edge of the guitar. How would this brass piece attach? Note that it has a piece on its back.

Jo

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  • up

    Taffy Evans

    Hi, ok my other idea would be to get an old leather strap of a suitable size and fit the grommet to the strap. This would now be your tailpiece. To stop the leather from stretching and to give an anchor point for the strings glue or rivet the strap to a thin steel or aluminum strap of the same size. Three holes one end for the strings and one hole at the other for fitting to the box side, at the butt end.

    I've got another idea but have to get the photo.

    Taff

    Jun 16, 2022

    • up

      Jo Jacobsen

      Hey Taff -

      I replied to your last suggestions way up the page here - I had three photos attached. I don't know if you saw it because I'm learning how to reply the right way! John McNair of Red Dog makes some guitars with a piece of aluminum that's folder from the bottom side of the box up and over the top. The holes for the strings are on the piece that's attached to the bottom. You've of course probably seen his guitars, but here's a picture - is this aluminum piece kind of what you're talking about to attach the leather/grommet to?

      Jun 16, 2022

      • up

        Taffy Evans

        Hi jo, these photos may explain it better. I just did a quick mock-up, the actual size will depend on the available space behind the bridge. I have shown only one rivet for retaining the strings.


        That medal is 21/8". I like the idea I might use it myself one day.
        Taff

        1

        Jun 16, 2022