How should I upgrade my saddle/bridge pins/nut?

[Verence]

I bought a Washburn DK20CET for cheap and I want to make it sound its best without spending too much.

 

I'm planning on ordering some Martin 80/20 Bronze Mediums for it. Let me know if anyone can suggest some strings that might be better.

 

As regards saddles/bridge pins/nuts, what sonic properties do different materials have? I've heard from some people that brass can make a guitar sound shrill. What is the general consensus on Tusq?

 

Thanks for letting me pick your acoustic-guitar-knowledge-laden brains.

[garthman]

As far as the strings go I would recommend Martin SP Phosphor Bronze rather than their standard 80/20. For saddle, etc - bone or tusq. Pins - wood or brass or plastic (I don't thinh there is much difference, if any).

[babablowfish]

 

As far as the strings go I would recommend Martin SP Phosphor Bronze rather than their standard 80/20. For saddle, etc - bone or tusq. Pins - wood or brass or plastic (I don't thinh there is much difference, if any).

 

 

Please go to the sticky at the top of the first page "Is My Guitar Sick?" Freeman Keller did a wonderful comparison test of different pins. There most definitely is a difference as the test will show. Freeman also did a wonderful test of different strings. Take the time to listen to the different samples and you will be better able to make an informed choice.

[EvilTwin]

I'd also stick with p/b Martin strings. Just my preference.

 

The nut can be harder to replace, so you may just want to leave it be. It'd be much cheaper just to get a bone saddle to use, which I think makes a big difference.

 

For pins, I like ebony. They have a very, very subtle effect on the tone of your instrument, but as baba says...FK's test shows that it's there. The ebony pins in my Seagull Folk (a guitar built for fingerstyle) have warmed it up a bit so that playing it with a flatpick is much more agreeable with my ears.

[Verence]

Please go to the sticky at the top of the first page "Is My Guitar Sick?" Freeman Keller did a wonderful comparison test of different pins. There most definitely is a difference as the test will show. Freeman also did a wonderful test of different strings. Take the time to listen to the different samples and you will be better able to make an informed choice.

 

Cool, I'll go right now, thanks!

[Queequeg]

 

I'd also stick with p/b Martin strings. Just my preference. The nut can be harder to replace, so you may just want to leave it be. It'd be much cheaper just to get a bone saddle to use, which I think makes a big difference. For pins, I like ebony. They have a very, very subtle effect on the tone of your instrument, but as baba says...FK's test shows that it's there. The ebony pins in my Seagull Folk (a guitar built for fingerstyle) have warmed it up a bit so that playing it with a flatpick is much more agreeable with my ears.

 

Agreed; leave the nut alone unless it has failed structurally.

[garthman]

 

Please go to the sticky at the top of the first page "Is My Guitar Sick?" Freeman Keller did a wonderful comparison test of different pins. There most definitely is a difference as the test will show. Freeman also did a wonderful test of different strings. Take the time to listen to the different samples and you will be better able to make an informed choice.

 

 

Thanks for this wonderful advice Baba.

 

I can assure you that I do try to make informed choices. I have been playing guitar for over 40 years and have, over the years, played many, many different guitars, different strings, different bridge saddles, different pins, etc. etc, etc.

 

Perhaps there is very, very small difference in sound with different pins - if you listen very, very carefully - or maybe it's the way the strings are plucked, not quite the same each time, perhaps ? - or maybe the relative humidity is slightly different? - etc, etc.

 

If you can hear the difference between plastic pins and brass ones and think it's worth spending the extra to achieve that difference, that's fine. Personally I would rather buy a better brand of coffee.

[babablowfish]

 

Thanks for this wonderful advice Baba. I can assure you that I do try to make informed choices. I have been playing guitar for over 40 years and have, over the years, played many, many different guitars, different strings, different bridge saddles, different pins, etc. etc, etc. Perhaps there is very, very small difference in sound with different pins - if you listen very, very carefully - or maybe it's the way the strings are plucked, not quite the same each time, perhaps ? - or maybe the relative humidity is slightly different? - etc, etc. If you can hear the difference between plastic pins and brass ones and think it's worth spending the extra to achieve that difference, that's fine. Personally I would rather buy a better brand of coffee.

 

 

Brass pins make a very noticeable difference in some guitars in my experience. On my Yamaha beater they make a dramatic difference in adding sustain and depth. Brass pins also make the tone brighter. On a Taylor the results would shatter the time-space continuum and usher in the return of the ancient ones who lurk silently awaiting their chance to rule again.

[garthman]

Our return is imminent - be afraid.