74mm stud spacing for stop tailpiece ???

[redbullnshimano]

Hi all

I need help here... I lost my stop tailpiece on my Aria Pro II Urchin U70 series recently.
The problem here is the post spacing for the tailpiece is 74mm. I can't seem to find any other makes or brand with similar dimension.

I've been thru ebay and all guitar parts wesite and I still can't find any. All others are 82mm spacing, even wraparounds too.

I didn't even realize or bother to know the measurement. I just went out and got myself a replacement and to my dismay... it did not fit.

Can anyone help me if you know where I can get one?
Or maybe any idea how I can mod the guitar if I can't get a replacement.
Loved that guitar. Had it with me for 30yrs now. It's a keeper.

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: 74mm stud spacing for stop tailpiece ???

I looked at this one on Amazon
Musiclily ABR-1 Style Tune-o-matic Bridge and Tailpiece Set for Gibson LP Les Paul Gear Guitar Replacement, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GEDVL2S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_c6yBAb4VW55GG

And it's bridge is 73.5 and the tailpiece is 83.5

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: 74mm stud spacing for stop tailpiece ???

Maybe a trapeze
Kmise A0926 Chrome Deluxe Bass Guitar Trapeze Tailpiece Wired Frame https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ROSQ4EW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_99yBAbDWG2H11

 

[redbullnshimano]

Re: 74mm stud spacing for stop tailpiece ???

Thanks Ehdwuld for the suggestions.

The ABR-1 won't make the fit. And the trapeze's latch be able to catch onto the U70's rear end.
My U70 have a rare and weird tailpiece post spacing. Both the bridge and tailpiece have the same spacing at +/- 74mm.
The bridge is using 4mm metric studs and the tailpiece 6mm metric studs.

I am looking for a tailpiece or maybe a wraparound bride at 74mm post spacing.
A wraparound could be mod to double as a tailpiece too. Only need to exchange the studs for a compatible ones. No biggy, Tonepros have them studs.

 

[Dave Locher]

Re: 74mm stud spacing for stop tailpiece ???

Try eBay. Used, not new. How much are you willing to spend? A machine shop can make you one. You just need a bar of aluminum with two hole drilled from the top with 74mm spacing and 6 small holes drilled horizontally with roughly the same spacing as your bridge saddles. I made one for my Gibson a few months ago. Its not a big job unless you want it to look fancy.

 

[Dave Locher]

Re: 74mm stud spacing for stop tailpiece ???

Another idea: although you do not have room for a trapeze tailpiece, I think you could get one of them and just use the bar part. It already has the 6 string holes and a nice chrome or gold finish, and you would just need the two mounting holes drilled. Anyone with a drill press and vice can do that for you.

 

[Darg1911]

Re: 74mm stud spacing for stop tailpiece ???

You could always pull the inserts, plug the holes and then re-drill for the "universal" stopbar spacing. The narrower spacing on your Aria means the old holes would be to the inside of the new holes, mostly hidden under the tailpiece, so you probably wouldn't have to do a stellar finish job to completely hide the old holes.

I know this doesn't help, it's just something I checked out of curiosity ... The Dean Hardtail (and some other Deans) use/used a flat, proprietary tailpiece that bolts tight to the body. It has a narrower spacing than the stoptails. I checked my Dean and, unfortunately, the mounting hole spacing is only about 70mm.

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: 74mm stud spacing for stop tailpiece ???

Have you contacted Aria to see if they have replacements available?

Otherwise, Darg's suggestion may be the best option. Keep the stopbar screwed down tight and you won't see the old plugged holes, especially if they are painted with approximately the same color (darker is better than lighter) as your guitar.

 

[redbullnshimano]

Re: 74mm stud spacing for stop tailpiece ???

Dave, where can I get to make this custom tailpiece? There is no local machine shop around my vicinity here who is willing to do just one piece. They're business oriented, minimum 500 pcs. lol.

I was also looking at other options. I've looked closely at the Schaller Les Trem. This trem is a 74mm spacing. Not a TOM but otherwise the guitar is still playable, maybe.

 

[Dave Locher]

Re: 74mm stud spacing for stop tailpiece ???

I hadn't thought about the quantity issue. Where I live there are still a few really small machine shops that you can wander into on a Friday afternoon with a piece of metal in your hand and they will take a few minutes to drill or mill it or whatever.
I am guessing you don't own a drill press?
How about one of these: http://www.ruschguitars.com/custom_guitar_parts

It's a "Jerry Garcia style" tailpiece. Several places sell them. I think you'd have room for it and I believe it would cover the holes from your stud holes?

If you are really desperate and/or really don't want to pay the money for one (I have seen them at different prices, but I don't think there are any $20 ones? $36 is the cheapest I have seen so far) I could make you a simple straight tailpiece if you give me the exact dimensions you need. It won't look super duper professional, but it will be able to hold your strings and fit your stud spacing. I have some 1/2x1" aluminum bar stock I could drill and buff.

 

[Dave Locher]

Re: 74mm stud spacing for stop tailpiece ???

OR I would be happy to drill you two stud holes in one of these: http://www.guitarfetish.com/Classic-Epiphone-Casino-Gibson-ES-330-Style-Trapeze-Tailpiece_p_167.html

Take off the trapeze part, drill two stud holes through the bar, and you've got yourself a decent-looking tailpiece for very little cash and you could easily swap back to the original one if you ever find it or come across another one.

The tailpiece is $9 plus shipping from Guitar Fetish. Have it sent straight to me, I'll drill it and send it to you for no cost other than mailing it to you. (It will only take me a couple minutes to drill the two holes.)
Personally I would go for the Garcia piece if it were my guitar. I think it suits the style of the guitar better. But if you don't want to make three screw holes in the top of your guitar then I'll be happy to mod the trapeze for you.

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: 74mm stud spacing for stop tailpiece ???

Dave, that's a really cool offer. This is one reason why this is the best guitar forum on the web. People are willing to go so far out of their way to help others. It's like the 1950's way of being neighbors and friends. Really, really cool.

 

[Dave Locher]

Re: 74mm stud spacing for stop tailpiece ???

Thanks. Always happy to drill two holes for a stranger in need.
I have not heard from him.