Bridgepins not lining up?
- Thread starter MojoTooth
- Start date
cjd-player
Senior Member
1st. Do they always look like this when you put strings on the guitar?
If so then the two center holes might be slightly undersize - or - if yo are careful to keep the same pin in the same hole when changing strings, the two center pins might be slightly oversize.
2nd. Check that the strings are seated properly in the holes.
3rd. Check that the two center pins are not in backwards. The slot in the pin should be facing towards the string.
Assuming that the strings are seated properly against the bridge plate under the top, the bottom line is that it is not an issue if the cosmetics do not bother you, and the two higher pins do not hinder your playing in any way.
If so then the two center holes might be slightly undersize - or - if yo are careful to keep the same pin in the same hole when changing strings, the two center pins might be slightly oversize.
2nd. Check that the strings are seated properly in the holes.
3rd. Check that the two center pins are not in backwards. The slot in the pin should be facing towards the string.
Assuming that the strings are seated properly against the bridge plate under the top, the bottom line is that it is not an issue if the cosmetics do not bother you, and the two higher pins do not hinder your playing in any way.
taabru45
Enlightened Member
Put a bend in the string about 1/4 to 1/2 inch above the ball, so that when you do put the pin in the ball isn't being pushed down by the end of the pin. If that happens when you tighten the string it pushes the pin back up...not what you want...bend the string put in the pin, all the way down, (if it goes all the way down when the hole is without string, then it should be about the same with the string) pull on the string- the pin shouldn't move... then measure the width of 4 fingers past the end of the appropriate tuning peg, and that will give you the right amount of string to tighten around the post... hope this is useful... 
Steffan
Steffanadorshki
Reverential Member
Another possibilty is that those pins have had their slots expanded by the strings' endballs over time. Then when you installnew strings the ball rides up the shaft slot before you fully seat the pins, and it rides high in the saddle. Try putting the string in the shaft slot with some lead between the end of the pin and the ball end before seating the pin, then seat the pin, then pulling the string up. Another sign that the ball end is riding up the shaft is that the pins get VERY hard to remove because of the increased friction of the shaft being spread out.
You can see this going on with the standard plastic pins when you change strings. I'm also assuming these are the original pins or it could even be as simple as the fact that they're replacements and don't in fact match the originals.
I noticed over time I can tell which pins go to which strings by how much the slots have been "nibbled". :lol:
You can see this going on with the standard plastic pins when you change strings. I'm also assuming these are the original pins or it could even be as simple as the fact that they're replacements and don't in fact match the originals.
I noticed over time I can tell which pins go to which strings by how much the slots have been "nibbled". :lol:
GardMan
Enlightened Member
Already a lot of replies. I'll just add one caution... if it's an issue of an oversize pin or undersize hole, DON'T FORCE THEM IN! A bridge pin is a great little wedge, and a split bridge can be the result. I think that is what happened to my D-50, which came to me with a hairline crack between the pin holes. Sealed with some superglue, and a little sanding, and it's almost invisible.
Telenator
Member
Yo! What taabru45 said!
wileypickett
Enlightened Member
This is a not uncommon problem.
First, make sure the problem is not with the pins themselves. (It rarely is). Get a new set of SLOTTED bridge pins to test with, even if you plan to keep using the bridge pins that came with the guitar. (The plastic kind will set you back all of a buck or two for a full set.)
Test the new pins WITHOUT the strings in. If there's still a problem seating the pins evenly, then get yourself a tapered reamer. (Every guitarist should have one of these!):
http://cgi.ebay.com/ENKAY-720-C-TAPERED ... 0218294477
GENTLY enlarge the bridge pin holes that are too small, a quarter-turn at a time. Test the bridge pins to see if they reseat properly after each quarter turn. You want them to be snug in the holes, without the strings in, but to go all the way in. Generally, one or two turns of the reamer are sufficient.
Tapered reamers are also great for enlarging tuner holes in your headstock, because they enlarge from the center out, unlike with a drill bit.
DO NOT USE A DRILL, OR ANY OTHER POWER TOOL, TO ENLARGE BRIDGE PIN HOLES OR HEADSTOCK TUNER HOLES!
You can also sand the bridge pins, but if the problem is with the holes, it's better to solve the problem rather than dance around it.
Bridge pin holes can get tight for any number of reasons, but usually it has to do with moisture expanding the wood over time -- sweat, beer, or just what's in the air where you live.
The above should solve your problem, unless you upgraded to "boutique" bridge pins, some of which are not slotted. But from the pictures it doesn't appear that that's your problem.
Good luck!
Glenn Jones
Cambridge, MA
First, make sure the problem is not with the pins themselves. (It rarely is). Get a new set of SLOTTED bridge pins to test with, even if you plan to keep using the bridge pins that came with the guitar. (The plastic kind will set you back all of a buck or two for a full set.)
Test the new pins WITHOUT the strings in. If there's still a problem seating the pins evenly, then get yourself a tapered reamer. (Every guitarist should have one of these!):
http://cgi.ebay.com/ENKAY-720-C-TAPERED ... 0218294477
GENTLY enlarge the bridge pin holes that are too small, a quarter-turn at a time. Test the bridge pins to see if they reseat properly after each quarter turn. You want them to be snug in the holes, without the strings in, but to go all the way in. Generally, one or two turns of the reamer are sufficient.
Tapered reamers are also great for enlarging tuner holes in your headstock, because they enlarge from the center out, unlike with a drill bit.
DO NOT USE A DRILL, OR ANY OTHER POWER TOOL, TO ENLARGE BRIDGE PIN HOLES OR HEADSTOCK TUNER HOLES!
You can also sand the bridge pins, but if the problem is with the holes, it's better to solve the problem rather than dance around it.
Bridge pin holes can get tight for any number of reasons, but usually it has to do with moisture expanding the wood over time -- sweat, beer, or just what's in the air where you live.
The above should solve your problem, unless you upgraded to "boutique" bridge pins, some of which are not slotted. But from the pictures it doesn't appear that that's your problem.
Good luck!
Glenn Jones
Cambridge, MA
West R Lee
Venerated Member
I use a 6" by 5/32" chainsaw file. Just remember as you ream the holes, you can make the hole bigger, but you can't make it smaller. :wink: Before I start though, I use a micrometer (or calipers) to ensure my pins are the same diameter......obviously if you happen to have a pin that's bigger than the rest, you'd want to trim down the pin.
West
West
taabru45
Enlightened Member
Hey West, I tried the chainsaw files, but they stuck up a hellof a lot higher than the pins, any other suggestions... :lol: :lol: :lol: Steffan
p.s. I bought a pack of tusq pins, they are great and if they are too large read the package to tell you how to sand them narrower... :wink:
p.s. I bought a pack of tusq pins, they are great and if they are too large read the package to tell you how to sand them narrower... :wink:
West R Lee
Venerated Member
taabru45 said:
Hmm...... doesn't bother me Steff as I rest my hand above the soundhole. Then for fingerstyle, if I need to file my nails, I just do that on my 6" tall pins. The only time I have trouble is when I'm trying to play with my teeth while wearing a hat.
West
taabru45
Enlightened Member
:lol: :lol: :lol: Did ya have to drill 6 holes in the case to accomodate the new pins too.? If you cut off the front half of the hat brim you wouldn' have a problem either, at least with the guitar... :wink: Steffan
JerryR
Enlightened Member
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taabru45 said:
Must admit Steff - they kinda reminded me of your teeth before you had them changed :wink:
Dr Izza Plumber
Senior Member
First, make sure that You're seating the strings properly.
If the pins still won't fit, I'd sand the pin's shank, ever so slightly, until they fit properly.
If the pins still won't fit, I'd sand the pin's shank, ever so slightly, until they fit properly.