Best Electric Guitar Tailpieces of 2026
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Electric guitar tailpieces are an essential component of any guitar setup. These devices help to anchor the strings to the guitar body, ensuring that they remain in place and maintain proper tension. There are many different types of electric guitar tailpieces available, each with its own unique benefits and drawbacks. Some popular options include stop tailpieces, which provide a solid anchor point for the strings and are known for their sustain, and tremolo tailpieces, which allow players to create vibrato effects by manipulating the pitch of the strings. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, finding the right electric guitar tailpiece can help you achieve the perfect sound for your playing style.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Electric Guitar Tailpieces
Ernie Ball Guitar String Dampener P09638
The Ernie Ball String Dampener is a handy accessory designed to help you reduce unwanted string noise and overtones that can occur behind your guitar’s bridge. This means your playing sounds cleaner and more focused, especially when you’re recording or performing. It works well with 6, 7, and 8-string guitars, so it’s versatile no matter your setup. If your guitar has some space between the bridge and tailpiece, this dampener fits right in. Plus, it’s easy to install and remove, so you can quickly set it up or take it off without hassle, making your playing experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Gotoh GE101Z Adjustable Tailpiece
The Gotoh Adjustable Tailpiece is designed to give you precise control over your guitar's setup. Its zinc diecast construction ensures durability and a solid feel. You can easily adjust the tailpiece height thanks to the threaded studs, allowing you to customize your guitar's string tension and tone. The knurled bushings offer a secure grip for smooth adjustments without slipping. Plus, all necessary hardware is included, so you have everything needed for a straightforward installation. This tailpiece helps you fine-tune your instrument for better playability and sound quality.
Musiclily Pro Adjustable Wraparound Bridge Tailpiece for Epiphone Les Paul Junior
The Musiclily Adjustable Bridge is a great upgrade if you have an older or non-adjustable bridge on your Epiphone Les Paul Junior or Special. It replaces outdated parts, giving your guitar a fresh, reliable feel. The string spacing is designed to fit perfectly, so you don’t have to worry about compatibility issues. With a solid zinc, full metal diecast build, this bridge offers durability and enhances sustain, helping your guitar stay in tune longer. Plus, its fully adjustable design lets you customize the height and saddle position for better playability and tone. Overall, it’s a solid choice to improve your guitar’s performance.
Guyker GK21 Stop Bar Tailpiece with GM005 Tune-O-Matic Bridge
The Guyker GK21 Guitar Tailpiece comes with the GM005 Tune-O-Matic roller saddle bridge, designed to fit Les Paul, SG style, and many other 6-string electric guitars. The GM005 bridge measures about 3.5 by 0.54 inches and features a roller saddle design with a post spacing of 2.91 inches, which helps keep your strings stable and reduces breakage. The GK-21 tailpiece is slightly larger, measuring 4 by 0.67 inches, and includes a splined bushing that securely fits into your guitar’s body, making it easy to install and adjust. This combination offers improved sustain and tuning stability, making it a practical upgrade for your guitar setup.
Musiclily Pro 52.5mm Tune-o-matic Stop Tailpiece
The Musiclily Pro 52.5mm Tune-o-matic Stop Tailpiece is designed for Epiphone Les Paul/SG/ES-335 and other similar style 6-string electric guitars with classical design since 1953. The slightly curved tailpiece is made of solid and durable zinc alloy with easy installation. The package includes 1 piece stop tailpiece and 2 pieces studs.
Gretsch Electromatic Series Hollow Body Guitars Tailpiece
This chrome tailpiece is designed to be compatible with the Gretsch Electromatic Series Hollow Body Guitars. It falls under the category of electric guitar tailpieces.
Swhmc Nickel Chrome Banjo Tailpiece Cover
The Swhmc Banjo Tailpiece Cover is designed with a durable nickel plating that helps protect your instrument while adding a sleek look. Its chrome finish not only makes your banjo shine but also guards against rust, so you can enjoy it for years. The cover’s precise size fits perfectly on the tailpiece of a 5-string banjo, ensuring a secure and stable setup. Plus, it’s easy to install without needing any special tools, making it a convenient upgrade that enhances both the appearance and sound quality of your banjo.
Wilkinson Guitar Tune-O-Matic Tailpiece
The Wilkinson Guitar Tailpiece is designed to fit various electric guitar models, including Les Paul, SG, and ES-335 styles. It features a string spacing of 52mm, ensuring optimal string alignment for better playability. The sturdy zinc alloy construction guarantees durability, making it a reliable choice for musicians. Additionally, the large adjustable post allows for easy customization with just a screwdriver, giving you the flexibility to achieve your desired setup. This tailpiece not only enhances your guitar's performance but also maintains a classic aesthetic that has been trusted since 1953.
C. B. Gitty Cigar Box Guitar Brass Hinge Tailpiece
The C. B. Gitty Brass Hinge Tailpiece is a specially designed tailpiece made for 3-string cigar box guitars. Crafted with sturdy brass-plated steel, this tailpiece ensures durability and reliability. It comes with included screws for easy installation. Hand-made in the USA in C. B. Gitty's workshop, this tailpiece is a testament to quality craftsmanship. The tailpiece is designed to be used with ball-end strings, providing excellent tone and stability. With the C. B. Gitty Brass Hinge Tailpiece, you can enhance the performance of your 3-string cigar box guitar and enjoy a smoother playing experience.
Alnicov Large 6-String Flying V Guitar Bridge Tailpiece
The Alnicov Flying V Tailpiece is a great choice if you need a reliable replacement part for your 6-string guitar. It’s designed for easy installation, so you can quickly set it up without hassle. Made from high-quality materials, this tailpiece offers lasting durability, ensuring it holds up well over time. Its precise design means it fits perfectly and performs reliably when you’re playing, giving you the confidence of a stable and well-functioning guitar part. Whether you’re a professional or a passionate player, this tailpiece helps keep your instrument in top shape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the different types of tailpieces on a guitar?
There are four common types of tailpieces on a guitar: stop tailpiece, trapeze tailpiece, Tune-o-Matic bridge, and wraparound. These tailpieces serve different purposes and offer different features, allowing guitarists to choose the one that suits their playing style and preferences.
2. What does a tailpiece do on a guitar?
A tailpiece on a guitar is a component that anchors one end of the strings. It is usually located opposite the end with the tuning mechanism. The tailpiece helps secure the strings and provides stability, allowing the strings to vibrate freely and produce sound.
3. Does tailpiece affect the tone of a guitar?
Yes, the right tailpiece, when installed correctly, can have an impact on the tone of a guitar. It can make the instrument more responsive and easier to play, enhance harmonics and overtones, and increase resonance. This can result in a fuller and more colorful tone.
4. What are the advantages of trapeze tailpieces?
Trapeze tailpieces do not compromise or hinder the performance, tone, or sustain of semi-hollowbody guitars. In fact, they can enhance the overall performance of the guitar in many cases. Trapeze tailpieces offer unique aesthetic appeal and can contribute to the resonance and character of the instrument.
5. What are fine tuners on a tailpiece?
Fine tuners are small metal screws attached to the top of the tailpiece, commonly found on violins. They allow for precise tuning adjustments in smaller increments, making it easier to achieve accurate pitch without making major adjustments at the tuning pegs.
6. How does tailpiece affect sound?
The tailpiece can affect the sound of the instrument by enhancing weaker notes and adding volume and fullness to specific strings. Tuning the tailpiece to match a particular note can have an impact on the instrument's resonance and the overtones associated with that note.
7. Does tailpiece height matter?
Tailpiece height can be a matter of personal preference for players. Some prefer a lower tailpiece height, while others may find it affects the bridge or overall instrument setup. It is important to find the right balance and consult with a professional technician if needed.
8. What is the difference between ebony and boxwood tailpieces?
Ebony and boxwood are woods commonly used for tailpieces. Ebony tailpieces are heavier and can contribute to a warmer and deeper tone. Boxwood and rosewood tailpieces, being less dense, are often chosen for their lighter weight and potential to enhance the instrument's sound.
9. What are the cons of a floating bridge guitar?
Floating bridge guitars can be challenging to set up and maintain due to the need for precise adjustments and tuning stability. Changing string gauges or tunings can also pose tuning problems. Additionally, some players may find the floating bridge too sensitive or unstable for their playing style.
During our electric guitar tailpiece research, we found 24 electric guitar tailpiece products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,449 customer reviews through our big data system to write the electric guitar tailpieces list. We found that most customers choose electric guitar tailpieces with an average price of $14.64.
The electric guitar tailpieces are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of electric guitar tailpieces, including Ernie Ball, AmplifiedParts, Musiclily, guyker, Gretsch. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Joseph Hubbard is a music producer and runs a musical instrument store in Chicago. Joseph is happy to help others choose the instrument that best suits their needs. He loves everything related to music and often publishes articles related to music on key websites.