X500 Harp Tailpiece

[fused]

Hey all, its been a long time....

I have a problem with my X500 tailpiece where the High E ball end gets stuck in the slot.
It take a lot of tension with hemostats to pull it free. A few times I had to take all the strings off to access the underside to work it free.
It gets stuck/jammed in there...

Now this is a 63 (I believe) and wanted to keep original parts on it...if possible.
I've tried some lube to no avail...

Is there a fix? Has anybody had this happen to them?
Should I run a dremel buffing tool in the slot? Do I have to grind something (God forbid)

Or do I need to replace it and if so where would I find a new one.
Don't want vintage if replacing as if its an age issue???
I'd keep the original with the guitar (of course)...

Thanks in advanced for any guidance

fused

 

[GAD]

It's hard to say without seeing it. A quality in-focus close-up pic would help.

Have strings cut into the metal beyond the normal channel where the string sits?

Is the channel just too small?

Has the channel corroded in some way making the string tight?

These are all possible, and all have different solutions.

 

[kakerlak]

If you have a little screwdriver-handled awl, or similar stiff-but-skinny object, you might have an easier time dislodging the string by sticking it through the ball end and popping it out that way.

 

[hansmoust]

I have a problem with my X500 tailpiece where the High E ball end gets stuck in the slot.
It take a lot of tension with hemostats to pull it free. A few times I had to take all the strings off to access the underside to work it free.
It gets stuck/jammed in there...

Hello fused,

Might be familiar with this particular problem and if it is what I think it is, then the solution is fairly simple.

I've made a couple of quick shots to show what is going on at the back side of the tailpiece:

When you're changing your strings make sure that the hole of the ball-end is showing like in photo 1. Hook it in the tailpiece, pull the string tight and bring it up to tension.

If you do it with the ball-end like in photo 2, the ball-end may get stuck and it will be hard to get out.

Good luck!

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
www.guitarsgalore.nl

 

[GAD]

I'm betting Hans for the win (again).

 

[fused]

Yes

YES, THIS seems to be how its getting stuck.. so have to change how i seat the end...

Thanks Hans, I'll give that a try...

Hello fused,

Might be familiar with this particular problem and if it is what I think it is, then the solution is fairly simple.

I've made a couple of quick shots to show what is going on at the back side of the tailpiece:

When you're changing your strings make sure that the hole of the ball-end is showing like in photo 1. Hook it in the tailpiece, pull the string tight and bring it up to tension.

If you do it with the ball-end like in photo 2, the ball-end may get stuck and it will be hard to get out.

Good luck!

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
www.guitarsgalore.nl