How to Choose Replacement Acoustic Guitar Bridge Pins
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How to Choose Replacement Acoustic Guitar Bridge Pins | Guitars Limited
Bridge Pins are one of the smallest components on an acoustic guitar — and one of the easiest ways to improve the sound and the look of your acoustic guitar.
Swapping your existing acoustic guitar bridge pins can noticeably improve sustain, tone clarity, and tuning stability of your instrument. It can also give you an improved aesthetic or one that might tie in better with your guitar's vintage.
This guide covers what to look for and how to replace them.
What Do Bridge Pins Actually Do?
Bridge pins anchor the ball end of each string (the end with the small metal 'hoop') inside the bridge plate. They don't just hold the string in place — they help transfer string vibration directly into the bridge helping the top of your guitar resonate and project sound. The bridge pin material matters: denser materials (bone, ebony, brass) tend to improve sustain and brightness, whilst softer plastics can deaden the tone slightly.
Plastic bridge pins are often the factory standard on most lower end acoustic guitars. They are functional and affordable and we stock Plastic Guitar Bridge Pins for guitarists who may have lost or broken these.
But for a little extra, you can upgrade these to the type and quality of bridge pins that come on high-end acoustic guitars...
Choosing the right replacement acoustic guitar bridge pins
The most common types you'll encounter are:
- Bone — a popular upgrade. Denser than plastic, bone improves sustain and gives a slightly brighter, more articulate tone. Our Bleached Bone Acoustic Guitar Bridge Pins are a straightforward drop-in upgrade. These also come in Unbleached Bone, and with decorative inserts such as Abalone, Mother-of-Pearl Abalone and Brass.
- Ebony — a hardwood option that sits between plastic and bone in density. Warm tone with a classic aesthetic. Again these can be plain Ebony Bridge Pins or colourful Abalone or Abalone and Brass.
- Brass — Our Brass Bridge Pins are the brightest and most sustain-heavy option. Noticeable on fingerstyle playing.
- Metal - Metal Bridge Pins are cheaper than brass and with a similar bright output.
Checking the Fit
Bridge Pins are fairly standard in size - but we would recommend checking the size of your current bridge pins against the sizes of our Bridge Pins.
Its possible with ebony and bone bridge pins to slightly sand them down if they are too thick. A correctly fitted pin should sit slightly proud of the bridge surface with the string groove facing toward the soundhole.
Always use a Bridge Pin Puller a String Winder with an integral bridge pin puller or a guitar string change multi tool to remove the pins from your guitar to avoid damaging the pins.
Any questions about fit or compatibility with your guitar? Please ask — we're happy to help.