Why change string pins?

[solitaire]

Quite a few times we've had matters regarding strings, nuts and saddles on this forum but I can't recall having discussed generic string pins of boxwood, ebony and even bronze.

Does anyone know in what way these would affect the sound? Is it all hype? In most cases they're very becoming, but they don't come cheap (usually far from it). Is it money well spent?

 

Cheers!

[fingerstyleman]

 

Originally posted by solitaire Quite a few times we've had matters regarding strings, nuts and saddles on this forum but I can't recall having discussed generic string pins of boxwood, ebony and even bronze. Does anyone know in what way these would affect the sound? Is it all hype? In most cases they're very becoming, but they don't come cheap (usually far from it). Is it money well spent? Cheers!

 

 

Iuse a set of Brass Endpins on my Cort, they certainly add sustain add add a little brightness to the tone.

 

Makes restringing a lot easier aswell..

[GN-Nick]

spin me round and slap me silly but I can't see how anything past the saddle is going to affect the tone of your guitar.

[fingerstyleman]

 

Originally posted by GN-Nick spin me round and slap me silly but I can't see how anything past the saddle is going to affect the tone of your guitar.

 

 

They alter the way the strings vibrate which will cause subtle changes to the sound your guitar is generating.

 

Now I have a pretty good set of ears, they can distinguish changes in the sound my guitar is producing.....and that is what I have described.

 

If you can't see it go and buy a set, then you will hear it.

[hempomatic]

 

Originally posted by GN-Nick spin me round and slap me silly but I can't see how anything past the saddle is going to affect the tone of your guitar.

 

 

 

They can also add mass to the bridge, but I don't see how that would be helpful

[chrisr0712]

To tame a bright guitar I would use ebony. They also make the guitar very balanced.

To add volume, sutain and punch I like bone pins.

The difference in pins is noticeable on my Martins but not on my laminate Alvarez.

[fingerstyleman]

 

Originally posted by chrisr0712 To tame a bright guitar I would use ebony. They also make the guitar very balanced. To add volume, sutain and punch I like bone pins. The difference in pins is noticeable on my Martins but not on my laminate Alvarez.

 

 

I don't know what it is about Laminate guitars. I started on one, and still own it, a Hohner that cost me

[scoutll]

"often think it's a shame nobody produces a high quality Laminate top as they would have a lot to offer as a mid-priced guitar."

 

Hey Fingerstyleman your prayers are answered. Try to get your hands on a Kona K-1 or K-2 series guitar. They are a laminate top guitar that is more than high quality. I own one (K 1E) and think they are superb! In fact it is among the nicest guitars under $1000.00 that I have ever come across. A non electric can be found on ebay for less than $100.00 (store list is 250.00) pre shipping and a AE for less than 150.00 (store list about 300.00). I bought mine from an authorized dealer off ebay and it arrived in beautiful condition and very well set up,only took 1/8 turn on the t-rod for perfect action. They also make solid top guitars called Signature Series that cost slightly more, but I actually like the elaminate ones better. I have also heard that Kona makes Trinity River guitars too, but am not sure of that one.

 

As far as the bridge pins issue goes, I installed brass ones during my last string change and seems to me that it made a diff. I might just be hearing it because I was looking for it, but even that being the case, it was a well spent few bucks.

Try it.

[wandoctor]

Sorry, but I don't understand why would you want an expensive laminate top? I thought the whole point of a laminate top is it is cheaper to produce and work with, so you can make cheaper guitars. It isn't going to age worth a damn. It's much stronger so it won't vibrate as freely, and I doubt it would produce much in the way of desireable overtones.

 

Once guitar makers move up from laminate top, they go to solid top, laminate back and sides.

 

As for adding mass to the bridge, that is what you don't want. Gibsons adjustable acoustic bridge was a failure for exactly that reason.

 

I'll have to go out and get a set of pins and do a before and after test.

[solitaire]

Guess I will try changing mine on my American all solids.

[Guest Anonymous]

It must be that the differences in weight of each type of pin changes the "way" the top vibrates...hmmm...I'd have to try it, but it seems as though brass (the extra weight) would slow the top doun, making it quieter. I'd think the lightest material would be best.

[solitaire]

I suppose as always, anything with a guitar should be as light and as hard as possible. I can imagin that plastic pins make the string flex when strummed or picked.

 

Does somebody know how much say a brass or bronze pin would weigh compared to a plastic one? If weight is crucial, why haven't I seen e.g. magnesium or aluminium pins?

[Zer0beaT]

I would think it would have to do with how the material transfers vibrations that makes the difference, not how heavy the material is. I think a denser, harder material will absorb less vibration and since the pins probably get mostly high end having a short high tension between them and the saddle, that would explain why brass would produce a brighter sound, as it wouldn't absorb much vibration and actually allow more through. A softer material like wood, ebony, plastic would absorb some of that vibration due to their softer density. I doubt weight is an issue at all considering the pins sit in a big block of wood that is the bridge piece.

[Guest Anonymous]

Can any one say weather their guitar maintaned it's low end and warmth after adding brass pins?

• So I'm wondering if what they're hearing is less low end, rather than more high end...?