Tailpiece bottom ground off w/ pic

[cipherhost]

Hello,

I bought what I believe is a 1984 LP Studio Standard. While changing strings, I noticed the bottom of the tailpiece had been ground off. There is a little bit of the lettering remaining, and I was wondering if this is normal and could be the original tailpiece, or if this indicates it was replaced. Also, if you know, what did this used to have printed on it? Picture included below. (https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B30JI7VwCV_mQVRrb09aZUJMYjg)

Thanks,

Cipher

 

[Zentar]

Weigh it. If it weighs an ounce or less it is aluminum and aftermarket.
If it weighs nearly 3 ounces it is a zinc alloy.

I don't see the sense of anyone filing down the ears that grab the posts.. That would let the tailpiece rotate forward.

 

[cipherhost]

Thanks, will weigh it soon when I dig out my food scale that can measure ounces. To deepen the mystery and for anyone else interested, I did a little more searching and found a thread and picture on another forum about Japanese Burny LP copies. I think my tailpiece used to say "SG Tailpice" (no spelling error on my part), and "Made in Japan". Here is a picture of the Burny tailpiece: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B30JI7VwCV_mckJ1Z2tpRmdqVVE

Does anyone on the forum have an 80s Studio Standard with a tailpiece with that inscription on the back?

Thanks!

 

[workerunit]

I am going to assume that your LP Studio was made in the USA by Gibson. If so, then either someone at some point put a Japanese tailpiece on your guitar, or perhaps Gibson sourced tail pieces from Japan at some point and removed the markings to hide that fact.

Nothing surprises me anymore.

 

[Big Al]

It isn't stock.

 

[Hamerfan]

Not sure what inscription says starting with an S,
but second smaller line could be 'Made in Japan'

 

[cipherhost]

I am going to assume that your LP Studio was made in the USA by Gibson. If so, then either someone at some point put a Japanese tailpiece on your guitar, or perhaps Gibson sourced tail pieces from Japan at some point and removed the markings to hide that fact.

Nothing surprises me anymore.

It isn't stock.

Not sure what inscription says starting with an S,
but second smaller line could be 'Made in Japan'

Thanks everyone for your replies!