Looking for a source

March 5, 2026, 11:06 AM · There is likely to be a luthier near you?
I know what I would do, but it doesn't work in the US as far as I know.

Edited: March 5, 2026, 1:51 PM · It would be best to take it to a shop. Tailpieces come in various shapes and sizes (unless you’re using a standardized one like a Wittner). A luthier can make sure it’s installed safely and that the proportions are appropriate.

If you prefer fine tuners on all four strings, the Wittner tailpiece is a great choice because the tuners are built in and don’t protrude. Add-on ball-end tuners are bulky, shorten the afterlength, and scratch the top much more than loop-end tuners made for E strings.

If you want a wider range of choices for tailpieces and want the ease of fine tuning, Wittner pegs would allow you to put on any tailpiece you liked. They cost much more than a typical tailpiece but a lot of players swear by them.

Edited: March 5, 2026, 3:44 PM · Bois d'Harmonie will do you very well. Johnson Strings [johnsonstring.com] has a decent selection.

Edited: March 5, 2026, 4:40 PM · Thanks guys.
I did go to Johnson strings and look around. Bon Harmonie too.
I ordered it from Sweetwater, because they don’t charge shipping. It’s the Wittner, which is what the fiddle came with. If I ever sell it to a beginner student, they’ll have four fine tuners.
Never, ever try to mount a loop end E string on one. The string will cut right through the plastic teeth of the tuner, when you try to tighten it to tune it to E.
I learned a hard lesson. Loop end strings are made for steel fine tuners.
I can change it myself, I’ve done it before. If the soundpost falls, it falls. Then to the shop it goes. But I doubt if it will.

March 5, 2026, 4:59 PM · Nickie if you only change one string at a time, the risk of sound post falling down plumets

March 5, 2026, 5:01 PM · When you're putting on a new tailpiece, that gets much more difficult.

March 5, 2026, 5:09 PM · Ah ok. I've never changed a tailpiece over before