Can Anyone Recommend Bridge Pins for a 76 D55?

[1976GuildD55]

I need ideas for where to buy bridge pins that will fit, without changes, on my ‘76 D55. Has anyone replaced theirs? Where did you find the right ones? I am thinking bone or ivory color, since the original plastic white ones are still on it. These are the originals from when I purchased it 47 years ago. I could go ebony with abalone dots, too. The bridge is ebony. Just need to know who makes them that fit the size of drilled holes. Thank you!

 

[schoolie]

I like the bridge pins from Maury's Music I think I got size 4.2D. A little sanding of the pins and/or reaming of the holes will be needed. I don't think I've ever received a set of pins that fit a guitar without some work.

 

[chazmo]

I've never heard any complaints about Bob Colosi's work: https://www.guitarsaddles.com/ However, there are a zillion pin sets available from just about every luthier's supply shop as well.

Good luck in the hunt! Personally, on an ebony bridge, I like your idea of ebony with abalone dots. Aged bone would also like nice (with abalone too, if you like a little bling).

 

[1976GuildD55]

Thank you, so much, Chazmo! Bob Colosi sure has an all inclusive ability to meet the requirements of any guitar. I was hoping somebody makes a standard size for that vintage. He would be a good way to go. I just need to measure the old ones accurately. Appreciated!

 

[1976GuildD55]

Schoolie, Are you speaking of pins for a guitar that is a similar age to mine? That would be great!

 

[chazmo]

Yeah, it's hard to find a standard size... I'd find some pins you like from Bob, and then send him the old ones or measure them for him.

 

[schoolie]

I've heard Bob Colosi is very easy to work with, and he will custom make pins based on your measurements or a mailed pin. Haven't had a chance to buy from him.

 

[1976GuildD55]

Thanks guys! Looks like 4.2D is the size?

 

[HeyMikey]

+1 for Bob Colosi.

 

[schoolie]

Thanks guys! Looks like 4.2D is the size?

I've used that size on Oxnard Guilds and a 1990 Westerly. Little sanding needed, but fit well for me

 

[1976GuildD55]

Schoolie, You sanded a bit off the pins? That sounds doable! I am no craftsman. Haha!

 

[schoolie]

Schoolie, You sanded a bit off the pins? That sounds doable! I am no craftsman. Haha!

I just wrapped a piece of 220-grit sandpaper around the pin and rotated the pin, frequently testing the fit. The reamer is the correct way to fit the pins, but I don't want to spend $100 on a decent reamer.

 

[chazmo]

^ Yes, this! The issue is that the pins should slightly oversized so you can sand them correctly. Also, be careful of the material you are sanding... Some of the fumes might not be good for you. But using sandpaper should not cause any issue for you.

 

[adorshki]

I just wrapped a piece of 220-grit sandpaper around the pin and rotated the pin, frequently testing the fit. The reamer is the correct way to fit the pins, but I don't want to spend $100 on a decent reamer.

Besides the potential for damaging the hole. Always made a lot more sense to me to sand 'em down a bit and leave as much meat on the bridge as possible.

 

[chazmo]

Besides the potential for damaging the hole. Always made a lot more sense to me to sand 'em down a bit and leave as much meat on the bridge as possible.

That's true. There are people who ream the bridge pin holes as an alternative to sanding the pins.

 

[schoolie]

I know Martin stopped reaming the pin holes and just drill them. On Martins, its necessary to ream the holes to get a good fit. I'll bet Guild still reams the holes

 

[Christopher Cozad]

...The reamer is the correct way to fit the pins, but I don't want to spend $100 on a decent reamer.

I have expensive StewMac reamers, and they work great, and I have quality reamers that are 1/2 the price (see link, below), and they work great, and I have super-cheap reamers ($6 to $12) that work great, too. You need to know your target taper (common tapers are 3 or 5 degrees). Unless you are making everything from scratch, try to match the pin to the existing tapered hole, then use the reamer to perfectly seat the pin. Make certain you do not overshoot the diameter of the pin at the shoulder, or you'll end up with a loose fitting pin (which is difficult/more work to repair). Take your time, let the reamer do the work (make very small, incremental cuts, testing the fit as you go).

Acoustic Bridge Pin Hole Reamers

Acoustic bridge pin hole reamer for enlarge the holes in acoustic bridges

www.philadelphialuthiertools.com

 

[schoolie]

Both tapers for $88. Thanks for the link! I wasn't sure if the Philadelphia Luthier Supply reamers were worth the cost, but I might try them on your recommendation.

 

[HeyMikey]

I bought a pair of 3 and 5 degree el cheapo $10 reamers off ebay years ago that work fine for the very rare occasion I need to use them.

Similar looking to these. Just buy from a seller with good feedback.

Tapered Bridge Pin Hole Reamer Woodworker Hole In Metal Panel Guitar Ream Tool A | eBay

It is suitable for help you to drill holes of guitar to use. Material: Steel. Size: 3-13mm/5-16mm. We are committed to resolve all issues in a friendly and satisfactory manner.

www.ebay.com

 

[Br1ck]

Thank you, so much, Chazmo! Bob Colosi sure has an all inclusive ability to meet the requirements of any guitar. I was hoping somebody makes a standard size for that vintage. He would be a good way to go. I just need to measure the old ones accurately. Appreciated!

Calipers are your friend. You should get very close with little need to modify. Consider going with solid pins and have slots cut in your bridge.