Mandolin: Tailpieces

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   The tailpiece is an important piece of the mandolin, fixed to the tail-block inside the instrument, it allows the secure attachment of strings. There are various types and methods of doing this, initially with pegs, and later with a single detachable piece, either with or without a built-in sleeve guard, and using either posts or pegs to retain the strings.
early 4 post tail

seen on earlier instruments, these tend to be rather large, and are set directly into the tail-block. This is often accompanied by a bone strip in the edging to stop the strings cutting into the tail.

Italian-style 4-post tail

a visible development from the previous, the 4 posts are now on 1 plate which is screwed to the tail, usually without any sleeve-guard.

Calace style tail

a development by Calace from the 4 post tail, the 8 post is usually seen with a wooden arm-guard across the tail of the instrument. Suzuki tails are the same, inspired by Calace's visit to Japan.

German sleeve-guard tail

by contrast the German tail usually has a built-in sleeve guard and hooks to take the strings rather than posts. It may also have a strap post or hook.

There are quite a few variations on these basic themes....
Ornate Italian-style in aluminium Brass Italian-style 8 post Italian-style  
modern tail with cover ...and open. hinged cover/integral strap post ...and open.
 
12 string tail with sleeve-guard. hinged cover on a US Washburn. 9 string versions exist for the waldzither.  
New tailpieces are now available in many places, but if you need help, drop me a line on the Contacts Page. I do have a few old one period pieces.