The TurboTail

Christopher Cozad

Christopher Cozad

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I was contacted by the inventor of the TurboTail, who introduced himself and his product to me this last Winter.

I have had a rather immersive experience with this device since then. I purchased 6 TurboTails and, separately, bought two Nylon string Cordoba C5s to run a series of tests against. I recorded my measurements and findings, writing it all up in a rather lengthy article, which you may want to have a look at (especially if you would like to gain an understanding of how it works and just what it might do for you and your guitar(s)).

The TurboTail

In short, the TurboTail is a exterior-mounted, Chrome-plated tail piece that secures your bridge to the tail block using two adjutable miniature cables. It “pulls” the bridge toward the tail block, directly countering the pull of the strings. It effectually nullifies bridge rotation, increases top deflection, increases volume and does not negatively impact tone.

I am currently incorporating this fixture into new guitar builds, as I am able to completely ignore the structural role of the soundboard (bye-bye bracing!) and focus on its sonic potential. The TurboTail has immediate uses as a repair tool (in much the same way as you might uses a Bridge Doctor to resist “bellying”, for example, or stave off that neck reset a little while longer), as well as a conversion tool (go to heavier gauge strings, or install Steel strings on a Classical guitar, for example).

The initial test results are most impressive. I have no affiliation with the inventor (other than mutual respect and newfound friendship). I am desirous only to make the introduction to you all, and am happy to answer any questions, to the best of my ability.

~ Christopher
 
By reducing the counter-clockwise torque on the bridge, how does it affect the deflection of the soundboard.

In other words, is the top now compressed by the tension as in an archtop, or is it still an upward deflection as in a typical flat top?
 
Rocky said:
By reducing the counter-clockwise torque on the bridge, how does it affect the deflection of the soundboard.

In other words, is the top now compressed by the tension as in an archtop, or is it still an upward deflection as in a typical flat top?
Click to expand...
Hi Rocky,

The result is quite distinct from an archtop, where the strings are pressing down on the saddle/bridge/soundboard. Here, the strings are anchored to the bridge BUT the bridge is now anchored to the tail block. There is a “suspension” of the bridge occurring, with the strings pulling the bridge toward the headstock (as always) and the TurboTail pulling the bridge toward the tail block (countering the tension). This “suspended” bridge effect is quantified by the increase in top deflection measurement (the soundboard is freer to move up and down when the fixture is attached). It was very revelational to witness. Twice.
 
WOW

Thanks for bringing this up !

I read through it - and it makes perfectly sense.

Also interesting was the fact that BD pushes bridge towards neck - just never thought of it - clear as daylight.

Time to experiment how it can be done w what's in my basement 😂 - not commercially 🎼
 
turboguitar.com

Revolutionize your acousitic guitar with the TurboTail!

TurboTail is an amazing new device that transfers the tension of the guitar strings from the fragile soundboard to the structural tail block of the guitar. 100% of the vibration is still transferred to the soundboard, but with more greater volume, longer sustain, and increased lifespan for your...
turboguitar.com
 
This post contain non-Guild content.

In the Summer of 2025 I set out to build the first guitar that would be reliant on the TurboTail fixture (instead of soundboard bracing) to prevent the soundboard from collapsing under to load of the strings. The guitar has such light, light “bracing” on the soundboard that, were I to remove the TurboTail, it would only support ligt tension NYLON strings. With the TurboTail installed, the guitar (heard in the video, below) is strung with Medium gauge Phosphor Bronze. I documented the build in my article:

The First Turbo Guitar

It is the beginning of November, and renowned guitarist Kinloch Nelson recently recorded this piece with my guitar:

 
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