Re-stringing acoustic guitar. Help. Bridge pin wont stay in its place!

[Uladine]

I got new acoustic strings today, and this is the first time I've ever re-strung an acoustic, so maybe I'm just doing something wrong. Whenever I try to tune the sixth string up to pitch (.058, tuning to B) the bridge pin starts coming out. I tried to wedge it in there the best I could, but its in all the way. I've seen lots of acoustic string packs with .058's, so I dont see how string gauge could be a problem. I know its a low tuning, but the low tension at B makes this problem seem even more strange. Do I need to file something down? Do I need to hook the ball end of the string around the inside of the bridge or something? This is pissing me off. I can handle a floyd rose no problem but this old fasion shit is completely foreign to me.

 

[Buck62]

1: Make sure the groove in the pin is wide enough to handle that guage of string.
2: Put the string into the hole and then press the pin down hard to assure that the brass loop is fully UNDER the bottom of the pin, not jammed into the groove.
3: If step one or two don't work, the pin may be worn and needs to be replaced. That's a cheap and easy fix.

If the hole itself is worn or has a hairline crack, then you've got bigger problems. At that point you'd need to take it to a guitar tech.

 

[Uladine]

Thanks Buck!

After I posted this thread I did some closer examination and realized that all the other strings could slide fairly easily through the slot on the bridge pin even after the pin was in place, and that the pin just keeps the ball from passing through the hole and doesnt hold the string itself. So I guess the problem lies in the first situation you described. I'm trying to file the slot of the pin to fit the .058 now, but my tools are limited. I'm using a small screw haha. I have another old acoustic I can rob pins from if I screw this one up. Thanks for the help again Buck.

Oh and this acoustic is only about 2 weeks old so I don't think theres anything wrong with the bridge unless somehow I messed it up.

 

[Buck62]

Righty-O!

 

[Aaron Cheney]

Sometimes giving the pin a little twist helps to get the friction started, and keeps it from popping out.

Aaron
http://www.voodoovibe.com