bridge problem

[jjang1993]

i was changing strings today and on the low E string whenver i start winding it up, the bridge pin pops off. i tried the bridge pin with anotehr strings and that worked fine. whats the problem here?i dont think the part where the string and bridge pin go though had anything break off cause i dont hear anything jiggle around inside.

[Sweb]

Sounds like the ball end of the string isn't seating against the bridge plate inside the guitar completely and when you tighten the string it snaps upward causing the pin to pop out. Make sure you pull the string so that the ball end is seated against the bridge plate when the pin is inserted.

[babablowfish]

This is a common problem. What is likely happening is that the ball end of the string is catching the underside of the pin and lifting it up as you tighten the tension.

 

When you put the string in through the hole, bend the string first so that when put straight in, it will be bent toward the neck. Then, after putting the string in and making sure you put it in several inches worth, put the pin in, hold the pin down and pull the string up. The ball end should lock against the SIDE of the bridge pin and tightening the tension will cause the sring to drive the bridge pin into the side of the hole and lock it there.

 

It sometimes take a couple of tries to get the ball end of the string to lock in this way instead of sitting under the end of the pin.

 

Let us know how it works.

[babablowfish]

Aaarrgh! Sweb beat me to it!

[jjang1993]

thanx guys, so bend the ball of hte string (or near the ball) towards the neck, drop in a good amount of string, then pull? what if this doesnt work? will the problem be an expensive repair?

[Sweb]

 

Originally posted by jjang1993 thanx guys, so bend the ball of hte string (or near the ball) towards the neck, drop in a good amount of string, then pull? what if this doesnt work? will the problem be an expensive repair?

 

 

Not unless the ejected pin lodges in your eyeball. Actually, the tip about bending the string before inserting is the best first step. There shouldn't be anything wrong with the guitar unless the hole has been drilled out or something - unlikely. Just take your time and ensure the pin isn't catching on the wrapped end of the string when inserting.

[jjang1993]

thanks so much guys it worked. dean markley PBs sound great lol. i observed that my plastic bridge pins were worn down a bit. im thinking of getting some brass ones like these http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/DAndrea-Tone-Pins-Brass-Bridge-Pins?sku=364789

1. will these by any chance wear down?

2. will the problem a experienced occur as 3. much with these? meaning r these pins more slippery or not?

4.will these fit the bridge on an Alvarez 5.RF20SC/RD20SC?(the solid brass ones)

will brass pins affect the tone,tension,action,anything?

6. i used to use 12-53 elixers, now i use 12-54 dean markley PBs. is it possible the larger E string contributed to the problem i had?

 

 

 

If brass pins r more slippery and pop out more when changing strings, which kind of bridge pins will be less slippery?

 

 

 

[babablowfish]

I have brass bridge pins in 3 of my guitars. I have tried the D'Andrea pins and they are good but not the best. What I have gone with on two of my gits (I stuck with the large garish and CHEAP ones on my beach-beater) are the John Pearse KingPins. They add a lot to the resonance and sustain. They aren't overly bright like the cheaper ones.

 

The KingPins function exactly the same as any other bridge pin in terms of holding the strings in. You don't have to worry about"slipperyness."

 

As for size, they fit in my Yamaha and in my Washburn. I don't know what size pins you have, but these are pretty much standard size.

 

Here's a link:

 

http://elderly.com/accessories/cat_or_pgc_page?page=2&query_start=21&step=20&cat_or_pgc=GABG&special_links=&sort_on=cat_or_pgc,artist,title