Members MisterTV Posted May 12, 2009 Members Share Posted May 12, 2009 This is a possibly stupid question, but I'll ask anyways Is something "wrong" when steel strings start to slice through bridge pin holes? It's something that's happened on every acoustic I've ever owned - but then again I've only owned budget-priced guitars. Do higher-end acoustics have this problem, if it is indeed a problem? Hotlink to a picture from frets.com as an example... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Gary Palmer Posted May 12, 2009 Members Share Posted May 12, 2009 The picture you've posted shows bridge pin ramping - it allows strings to have an improved break angle - and is different to the problem you mention. It's not uncommon for strings to wear grooves into one side of un-ramped bridge pin slots and one of the remedies is to provide string ramps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members jd-drafter Posted May 12, 2009 Members Share Posted May 12, 2009 i believe the 'slices' in the example picture are intentional, called 'ramping the bridge'- to help achieve a better break angle, sometimes done when the saddle becomes to low due to adjustment or the need to reset the neck angle. bridges can also be 'slotted'- to allow the strings to seat a bit differently- its not unusual to see ramping and slotting done in tandem. i am sure some wear on he bridge is normal- a picture of your actual bridge will be the best way to really see the issue. have a great search for the answer- the journey is normally the best part of the trip. 8^) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members MisterTV Posted May 12, 2009 Author Members Share Posted May 12, 2009 OK, I learned something new today... which is why this site rocks. I never would have guessed those grooves were intentional. Every acoustic I've ever had has been "pre-owned" - so I always assumed those slots were a byproduct of string tension over time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Freeman Keller Posted May 12, 2009 Members Share Posted May 12, 2009 Actually, there are two things here. "Ramping the bridge" means cutting exit slots to get the best break angle behind the saddle (ideally about 45 degrees). "Slotting the bridge" means cutting slots all the way through the bridge for the strings to rest in rather than the slots in the pins (you either turn the pins around or use unslotted ones). The advantage of slotting is that the balls are pulled up tight against the bridge plate and there is less side force on the pointed end of the pin (this reduces wear on the bridge plate). They are different - you can do one, the other or both. Bryan Kimsey has a good discussion - go to Lutherie and look for the discussion on slotted bridges http://www.bryankimsey.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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