Bridge pins

robertlavin
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Posts: 9

Bridge pins Sept 9, 2019 4:27:38 GMT -5 via mobile

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Post by robertlavin on Sept 9, 2019 4:27:38 GMT -5

Does anyone know of any place where I can source bridge pins for an old FG?

My bridge pin library has failed to provide any. They're all too big. The ones that sort of fit sit a bit too proud for my liking, as did the originals that weren't snapped.

I don't particularly want to ream the holes. Will I just have to sand some pins down?

Thanks.

CTGull Administrator Vintage YamaNut Posts: 3,284	Bridge pins Sept 9, 2019 5:36:11 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by CTGull on Sept 9, 2019 5:36:11 GMT -5 I've found the same thing. Many times the original pins stuck up too far. I just use the proper tapered reamer in a hand drill to open them up slightly.

robertlavin New Member Posts: 9	Bridge pins Sept 9, 2019 16:00:14 GMT -5 via mobile Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by robertlavin on Sept 9, 2019 16:00:14 GMT -5 Seems a pity to have to do that. In case I decide that's the way forward is it a 3 or 5 degree taper pin?

CTGull Administrator Vintage YamaNut Posts: 3,284	Bridge pins Sept 9, 2019 18:08:10 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by CTGull on Sept 9, 2019 18:08:10 GMT -5 They are a 5 degree included (total) angle.
	Last Edit: May 13, 2020 9:13:36 GMT -5 by CTGull

crang
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Posts: 5

Bridge pins May 13, 2020 8:08:42 GMT -5

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Post by crang on May 13, 2020 8:08:42 GMT -5

Getting my FG150 setup for the first time and one of the old plastic bridge pins snapped before coming out. I took some measurements so figured Id post them here for those without a micrometer. The OEM 1970 ones were .208" at the top of the shaft, .129" at the bottom of a .868" shaft. In milimeters thats 5.29mm, 3.29mm and 22mm.

I ran it through a taper calculator and came up with 5.21 degrees of taper. Lutheir Mercantile International had some reasonably priced ones that were just a few thousands oversized so should be easy to sand down a touch. Took some searching as it seems pins that are .210" up top are 3 degrees of taper not 5. Hopefully it works out-

CTGull
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Vintage YamaNut

Posts: 3,284

Bridge pins May 13, 2020 9:12:54 GMT -5

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Post by CTGull on May 13, 2020 9:12:54 GMT -5

May 13, 2020 8:08:42 GMT -5 crang said:

Getting my FG150 setup for the first time and one of the old plastic bridge pins snapped before coming out. I took some measurements so figured Id post them here for those without a micrometer. The OEM 1970 ones were .208" at the top of the shaft, .129" at the bottom of a .868" shaft. In milimeters thats 5.29mm, 3.29mm and 22mm.

I ran it through a taper calculator and came up with 5.21 degrees of taper. Lutheir Mercantile International had some reasonably priced ones that were just a few thousands oversized so should be easy to sand down a touch. Took some searching as it seems pins that are .210" up top are 3 degrees of taper not 5. Hopefully it works out-

Good catch. I just did a CAD layout and confirmed your angle. And I checked my tapered reamer. It is a 5° included angle and matches a Yamaha pin perfectly.

Finding replacement parts for a 50 year old guitar can be difficult. I never thought replacing the bridge pins would be one of them.

If I can't get a pin out I push it out from the inside. That eliminates the possibility of snapping the head off.

crang
New Member

Posts: 5

Bridge pins May 13, 2020 9:26:13 GMT -5

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Post by crang on May 13, 2020 9:26:13 GMT -5

For sure- this pin was going to give up the ghost no matter what I think. I was sliding the pin puller over it when the head snapped off, seemed very brittle. At least it will give me time to get the pickguard stuck back on. 2 coats of shellac so far....

CTGull Administrator Vintage YamaNut Posts: 3,284	Bridge pins May 13, 2020 10:36:18 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by CTGull on May 13, 2020 10:36:18 GMT -5 HA! Is there any chance the pin was already broken and someone glued the head back on?

crang New Member Posts: 5	Bridge pins May 13, 2020 10:45:55 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by crang on May 13, 2020 10:45:55 GMT -5 Maybe- it was a bit chewed up like someone used pliers a number of times to pull it out. At least LMI had a nice set of bone and ebony ones for $15 shipped.

CTGull Administrator Vintage YamaNut Posts: 3,284	Bridge pins May 13, 2020 11:46:44 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by CTGull on May 13, 2020 11:46:44 GMT -5 NICE!!

JimEdg Guest	Bridge pins May 9, 2022 16:24:55 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by JimEdg on May 9, 2022 16:24:55 GMT -5 There seem to be two basic sizes of bridge pins according to this GraphTech weblink - they use the names "Traditional" and "Presentation". graphtech.com/collections/tusq-bridge-pins-traditional?msclkid=1867d93ecfc811ec9ad6f56779d0c1b2

CTGull
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Vintage YamaNut

Posts: 3,284

Bridge pins May 9, 2022 17:36:18 GMT -5

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Post by CTGull on May 9, 2022 17:36:18 GMT -5

May 9, 2022 16:24:55 GMT -5 JimEdg said:

There seem to be two basic sizes of bridge pins according to this GraphTech weblink - they use the names "Traditional" and "Presentation".

graphtech.com/collections/tusq-bridge-pins-traditional?msclkid=1867d93ecfc811ec9ad6f56779d0c1b2

Those are modern pins. Vintage Yamaha's (40-56 years old) used various angles, I've measured a few sets. They used 6 degrees (.208" dia. under the head) from 1966 to 1976, and 4 degrees 1977 and up. 5 is in the middle, that's what I ream the holes to. 3 degree pins will stick up very high in the 6 degree hole and not stay in well.

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