Brass bridge pins

[StevenLindsey]

Any of you guys ever tried these. A guy who works on guitars recently told me that brass pins really improved ( altered would be a better word probably, since the change in sound may or may not be an improvement - subjective ) the sound of an acoustic guitar. I'm looking at some EZ Pegs. Just wondered if anybody here has had any experience with different kinds of bridge pins and, if so, what kind of tonal changes have you experienced? Thanks for any opinions.

 

[riley357]

I don't have any experience with brass bridge pins, but I would think that whatever difference in tone is associated with using them would be from the mass and nothing more. So I would think you would sense maybe a bit more sustain on open strings

Other than that I would say it may be difficult to really get a good fitting pin made of brass because you can't really sand it down easily to get good fit. Be careful not to crack your bridge trying to get "slippery" or ill-fitting pins to bind on your strings.

If you go for it please come back and tell us how it sounded and if you thought it was worthwhile.

I would appreciate that. Maybe others would too.

 

[Major Tom]

I would guess that adding a couple ounces of brass to the weight of the top would inhibit the vibration to some extent, possibly in a particular frequency range, resulting in a slightly lower volume and maybe slightly more sustain. This may or may not be a good thing to your ears. I was messing with a guitar on my lap one day and had a 1/2" wide tape measure laying on the bridge (heavier than the brass pins) or top, I don't remember which, and it had a pronounced effect on the sound, it was significantly lower in volume, and the timbre was different....If you try 'em let us know.

 

[tdukex]

If you have a cheap, dull sounding, plywood-topped acoustic, brass pins may improve the sound/volume. But you won't find them on any of the top guitar maker's boxes (Collings, Santa Cruz, Breedlove, Goodall, ect...Martin, Taylor, etc.). That should tell you something.

 

[StevenLindsey]

Well, I got some Carrica EZ Pegs and put em on my Yairi. They definitely change the sound. Makes it slightly brighter. I recorded several takes before and after. Would be good for brightening up a boomy or dull sounding guitar ( like a Martin ). Sometimes brighter is better for recording too to help cut through a bit. They look good too. I got the ones with Onyx on em. However, I've had trouble getting them to seat properly on the bridge. If I can't resolve that by the next set of strings, I'll probably go on back to the old plastic pins. I'm glad I tried them anyway.