Do you put an angle on bottom of bridge pins

nobuzz67 · #1 01-15-2021, 10:19 AM

Do any of you put an angle on the bottom of your bridge pins, as shown in this video? (3:20 mark)
Should the angle be in a certain direction?

https://guitar.com/guides/diy-worksh...your-acoustic/

capefisherman · #2 01-15-2021, 10:37 AM

Kind of a neat little trick. There are a few things in the video that I totally disagree with but they are all things that have been discussed here many times so no need to go there. But I will try that angling of the bridge pin head. Thanks for posting!

Gene

guitararmy · #3 01-15-2021, 11:02 AM

Definitely would help keep the ball end from hanging up on the end of the bridge pin.
I usually seat all six strings from inside through the soundhole before stringing them up...

L20A · #4 01-15-2021, 11:50 AM

I only started doing this this year, after receiving a custom build that has solid pins with the angled ends.

Not sure how much it will help but I see no negatives in doing it.

Wild Bill Jones · #5 01-15-2021, 11:53 AM

I file about a 45 degree angle on the bottom on my bridge pins that are also individually fitted and numbered for each string and hole. I figure this just helps in having the string ball positioned correctly on installation. Can’t really prove this is so. I believe custom fitting each pin to its respective hole is more important.

blindboyjimi · #6 01-15-2021, 11:53 AM

No, but it can’t hurt. He has one too many wraps on the bass E for me, but otherwise it’s a decent video.

Nymuso · #7 01-15-2021, 12:10 PM

I don't, no. But I do put a curve in the string to situate the ball in front of rather than below the pin. Nevertheless, I tension test by gently pulling on the string as I insert the pin to ensure that the ball ends up where I want.

stormin1155 · #8 01-15-2021, 02:09 PM

Yes, that's something I've been doing for some time.

Silly Moustache · #9 01-15-2021, 02:41 PM

Don't like this video at all! couldn't find ANY reference to filing an agle on the ed of bridge pins but, yes I do that.

whyowhyowhy does he suggest using heavy metal tools to remove the pins when he as a basic plastic string winder that has the pin removal notch to safely do the job ?

Doh!

Try this :

AcousticDreams · #10 01-15-2021, 03:36 PM

I did file an angle for many years.
This is one of those things that looks great on papper, but I Honestly did not find it to make much of a difference. That is because Your string can still get hung up and be hanging down from where it should be in the first place. It cannot slide up the angled ramp if it is hung up lower. So I no longer do it.

What I have found to be more useful is a telescoping mirror with light on it.
Before tensioning each and every string...I check with my lighted mirror. Then I know for sure that the ball end is up snug against the bridge plate. I use slightly heavier than Medium gauge strings and show no wear on my bridge plate because of this.

It takes only a couple of seconds to check.
https://www.stewmac.com/luthier-tool...SABEgJ0mvD_BwE

I also recommend what Nymuso does as well. I but an ever so slight bend in the string at the ball end. A super small bend only a 1/4 inch away from the ball. This helps the ball end seat properly.

Brucebubs · #11 01-15-2021, 07:02 PM

Loosen strings off then cut them all - why? Made me shudder.

dnf777 · #12 01-15-2021, 07:41 PM

Wouldnt it be easier to just snip the ball-ends off before installing?

But really, Ive never had that problem. I kinda just slide them in together, but never advance the string far beyond where it needs to be. Just far enough to feel the pin slide past the ball, then snug the string up to the plate while seating the pin. Couldnt hurt to angle or round the pins though.

Gordon Currie · #13 01-15-2021, 07:46 PM

No I don't do that. I've only experienced ball-ends going weird 2-3 times in 50 years. It's a sign I'm not paying attention.

Maybe if I was a roadie, changing strings on a weekly or daily basis, I might be interested in things like this.

Brucebubs · #14 01-15-2021, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dnf777

Wouldnt it be easier to just snip the ball-ends off before installing?

But really, Ive never had that problem. I kinda just slide them in together, but never advance the string far beyond where it needs to be. Just far enough to feel the pin slide past the ball, then snug the string up to the plate while seating the pin. Couldnt hurt to angle or round the pins though.

I do it the same, no need for such a firm tug that way and you can usually see from amount of end winding exposed that the ball end is home.

Yes the Gibson bone saddles are not compensated and yes the 4-bar abalone inlay mustache bridge locates the pins further back from the saddle than the 2-bar inlay bridge!

darylcrisp · #15 01-15-2021, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nobuzz67

Do any of you put an angle on the bottom of your bridge pins, as shown in this video? (3:20 mark)
Should the angle be in a certain direction?

https://guitar.com/guides/diy-worksh...your-acoustic/

the angle does exactly what the man said in the video and is a nice touch if you use grooved pins. these days i slot the bridge pin hole and prefer that over a grooved pin, i do not buy new pins, rotate the groove to the back side.

d