Bridge pins

[sliding-tom]

Hi everybody - what do you guys think of replacing the stock (plastic) pins on acoustics for bone or other materials - does it change the tone noticeably? I mean, even my Gibson AJ RI seems to have those cheap plastic pins!?!?

[hank]

It's not a bad idea. Usually, a luthier will slot each hole on the bridge at the same time you add bone/ivory pins. Typically, it'll brighten the guitar's tone.

[sliding-tom]

Why slot the bridge for bone pins????
So, what the bone or ivory pins do is add brightness? Well, that's not for me, my guitars seem to be bright enough for me.
So do you think, plastic pins are O.K.?

[sinner]

Maybe look into other materials for "not adding brightness", like maybe ebony? I like the old pins, like on my Martin, has little eyes (dots) that look cool...

[sliding-tom]

A question here then for those who have experience with vintage acoustics: what was the material for bridge pins on,let's say pre-war Gibsons and Martins?