How can I remove a bridge pin on an acoustic guitar?

guitar bridge pins image

Allison T

I just tried to change my acoustic guitar strings for the first time, and the bridge pins are really stuck in there. I tried to remove the low E string with needle nose pliers and wiggle it out, but the top of the pin broke and the rest of it is stuck in there. Any suggestions of what I can do to get it out?
I reattached the string so it's still playable, but I can't change it and I'm afraid to change the rest now!

Answer
Okay, loosen your low E string and take it off of the head of the guitar. At the bridge, push the E string down into the guitar an inch or so. This might loosen the pin. Reach your hand into the hole (you probably need to loosen the other strings) and see if you can push out the pin with your fingers. If you can't, try pushing it with something hard like a house key or a coin. Try pushing the other pins out using this method. Again, remember to push the string further into the guitar at the bridge to loosen the pin. You might have to buy a new pin or you can try super-gluing it together and see if you can reuse it.

You might want to check out this tool: http://www.guitarlessonworld.com/lessons/lesson2.htm
It's called a guitar string winder and it comes with a tool to take out the pins. I recommend this over the other method. You can find it at any music store. Good luck!

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Do I need to replace the strings if I replace the bridge pins on an acoustic guitar?

guitar bridge pins image

Gabriel

I'm replacing the bridge pins on my acoustic guitar and I just replaced the strings. Will I need to replace the strings with new ones again if I want to replace the bridge pins?

Answer
Nope, here's a trick: Capo your guitar around the 3rd or 4th fret. Tune your guitar down until the strings are pretty loose but not so much that they come unraveled from the tuner posts, so you can tune back up. That should allow you to pull your bridge pins out and install the new ones, remove the capo and tune back up.

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What are the screws on the bridge of my acoustic guitar for?

guitar bridge pins image

Adam

i have an acoustic guitar by Gibson it is kind of a cheapy but not that bad. i am a beginner and know nothing about guitars. on the bridge of the guitar below where the bridge pins go there are two screws one on the left and one on the right. there used to be a little rubber cover thing above both of these screws but they came off. the right screw on the bridge has come loose. i am wondering if this will affect anything, and what are these screws even for. if you could help me out that would be great. the bridge is glued so its not like the screws are whats holding it on. also if the loose screw is affecting something how do i tighten it?

thx in advance

Answer
Hmm. If the screws are indeed below the bridge pins, they're not for adjusting the saddle height as some have suggested. Height adjustment screws are big knurled things at either end of the saddle, and I don't recall any Gibson acoustic models with them anyway. You do see them on some entry level acoustics though. The saddle sits in a metal carrier with the height adjustment knobs at the ends, and the whole carrier sits in an oversize slot in the bridge. You screw the knobs IN to raise the saddle. But as I said, those knobs are in a different location from yours, and they are big - usually about 3/8" diameter, with knurled edges and a slot for a coin or big screwdriver.

Screws to help hold the bridge on, with or without glue, are usually the sign of a very cheap guitar. Are you SURE this a Gibson? People sometimes talk about "Gibson Epiphones" and "Gibson Maestros", but these are misnomers. I have seen pictures of a Gibson model from 40 years or so ago with a plastic bridge held on with screws, but AFAIK they thought better of it rather quickly.

I sure wouldn't call any real Gibson a cheapie, either. They're pretty much all over $1000 new. I've seen cheap imported guitars with clumsily forged Gibson or Martin logos on the headstock, though.

Anyway, if the screw is helping hold the bridge on, there should be a nut on the inside that you can tighten. You can get at it by loosening the strings and working through the soundhole.

Piezo dots (pickups) are also sometimes installed in that location but I don't think you would be confusing one with a screw once the decorative plug had fallen out.

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What kind of bridge pin do i need for my acoustic guitar?

guitar bridge pins image

Eddie P

i have a guitar and i was removing the bridge pin, but it went flying when i took it out with string, can i buy a set of bridge pins? if so does it have to be a specific kind?

Answer
no, just a standard acoustic bridge pin set should do her, order one or pick one up from your local guitar center( or other guitar supplier)

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How can I remove a bridge pin on an acoustic guitar?

guitar bridge pins image

Allison T

I just tried to change my acoustic guitar strings for the first time, and the bridge pins are really stuck in there. I tried to remove the low E string with needle nose pliers and wiggle it out, but the top of the pin broke and the rest of it is stuck in there. Any suggestions of what I can do to get it out?
I reattached the string so it's still playable, but I can't change it and I'm afraid to change the rest now!

Answer
Okay, loosen your low E string and take it off of the head of the guitar. At the bridge, push the E string down into the guitar an inch or so. This might loosen the pin. Reach your hand into the hole (you probably need to loosen the other strings) and see if you can push out the pin with your fingers. If you can't, try pushing it with something hard like a house key or a coin. Try pushing the other pins out using this method. Again, remember to push the string further into the guitar at the bridge to loosen the pin. You might have to buy a new pin or you can try super-gluing it together and see if you can reuse it.

You might want to check out this tool: http://www.guitarlessonworld.com/lessons/lesson2.htm
It's called a guitar string winder and it comes with a tool to take out the pins. I recommend this over the other method. You can find it at any music store. Good luck!

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Restringing acoustic guitar, bridge pins won't stay put!!!?

guitar bridge pins image

SeSee Yaa

I'm restringing my sister's guitar and the bridge pins keep popping out when I wind the tuning peg and tighten the string.

Am I doing something wrong, or are the bridge pins just peices of crap????

Answer
You probably are just not pushing them in hard enough. The pin wedges the ball on the end of the string over to the side of the hole through a slot in the pin, or if it's a solid pin it wedges the string over to a slot cut in the bridge. Read the bottom of the article I sent about "Flying bridge pins".

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What size bridge pins come on the Hagstrom G250 acoustic guitar with vine inlay?

guitar bridge pins image

Daniel D

Havent bought it yet but will soon and want to order bone bridge pins for it. I need to know what size they are if anybody out there has one or can find it online.

Answer
They are standard size bridge pins. All bridge pins are one standard size except that they also sell oversize bridge pins for old guitar with worn holes. However on a new guitar you would use standard bridge pins.

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Restringing acoustic guitar, bridge pins won't stay put!!!?

guitar bridge pins image

SeSee Yaa

I'm restringing my sister's guitar and the bridge pins keep popping out when I wind the tuning peg and tighten the string.

Am I doing something wrong, or are the bridge pins just peices of crap????

Answer
You probably are just not pushing them in hard enough. The pin wedges the ball on the end of the string over to the side of the hole through a slot in the pin, or if it's a solid pin it wedges the string over to a slot cut in the bridge. Read the bottom of the article I sent about "Flying bridge pins".

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Do I need to replace the strings if I replace the bridge pins on an acoustic guitar?

guitar bridge pins image

Gabriel

I'm replacing the bridge pins on my acoustic guitar and I just replaced the strings. Will I need to replace the strings with new ones again if I want to replace the bridge pins?

Answer
Nope, here's a trick: Capo your guitar around the 3rd or 4th fret. Tune your guitar down until the strings are pretty loose but not so much that they come unraveled from the tuner posts, so you can tune back up. That should allow you to pull your bridge pins out and install the new ones, remove the capo and tune back up.

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How can I remove a bridge pin on an acoustic guitar?

guitar bridge pins image

Allison T

I just tried to change my acoustic guitar strings for the first time, and the bridge pins are really stuck in there. I tried to remove the low E string with needle nose pliers and wiggle it out, but the top of the pin broke and the rest of it is stuck in there. Any suggestions of what I can do to get it out?
I reattached the string so it's still playable, but I can't change it and I'm afraid to change the rest now!

Answer
Okay, loosen your low E string and take it off of the head of the guitar. At the bridge, push the E string down into the guitar an inch or so. This might loosen the pin. Reach your hand into the hole (you probably need to loosen the other strings) and see if you can push out the pin with your fingers. If you can't, try pushing it with something hard like a house key or a coin. Try pushing the other pins out using this method. Again, remember to push the string further into the guitar at the bridge to loosen the pin. You might have to buy a new pin or you can try super-gluing it together and see if you can reuse it.

You might want to check out this tool: http://www.guitarlessonworld.com/lessons/lesson2.htm
It's called a guitar string winder and it comes with a tool to take out the pins. I recommend this over the other method. You can find it at any music store. Good luck!

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Do I need to replace the strings if I replace the bridge pins on an acoustic guitar?

guitar bridge pins image

Gabriel

I'm replacing the bridge pins on my acoustic guitar and I just replaced the strings. Will I need to replace the strings with new ones again if I want to replace the bridge pins?

Answer
Nope, here's a trick: Capo your guitar around the 3rd or 4th fret. Tune your guitar down until the strings are pretty loose but not so much that they come unraveled from the tuner posts, so you can tune back up. That should allow you to pull your bridge pins out and install the new ones, remove the capo and tune back up.

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How can I get my broken bridge pins out of my acoustic guitar so I can change my strings?

guitar bridge pins image

My brother broke off the top part of two of the bridge pins on my acoustic guitar.I can't figure out how to get them out of there! Can someone tell me how to do this? My strings need replaced real bad. Its an acoustic by the way for those who didn't know. Let me now is there is some trick to getting them out.

Thanks guys.

Answer
IGNORE all previous answers! some of these suggestions are flat out wrong and may damage the guitar if you do it.
I have actually performed this repair several times (I worked in several music stores as the repair guy)
Here is what you do:
#1 loosen all the strings and remove all the ones that you can. Don't worry about string tension or any of that nonsense. Guitar necks are built to survive long periods of no tension.

#2 remove the remaining 2 strings from the headstock and cut them off with a pair of wire cutters close to the bridge.

#3 use a small pair of needle nose pliers and try to push just the remaining string down into the body of the guitar if possible. This will help to unseat the broken bridge pins. (This may not be possible depending on how hard the ball ends of the string are wedged between the end of the pin and the under side of the bridge.)

#4 carefully reach inside the soundhole and try to feel the end of the bridge pins coming through the top of the guitar. If you were able to push the remaining string into the guitar then see if you can gently push the pins up back through the guitar face and bridge.

#5 If the pins will not push up easily then take the small needle nose pliers and gently reach them into the sound hole and grab each pin. Gently push the pin up while lightly twisting it. The pins should come out with a minimal of effort.

DO NOT drill into the pin. DO NOT to attempt to push the pin through the body. DO NOT use a foreign object to try and pry or pull the broken pin out. Any of these things can damage the guitar.

If you cannot remove the pins with the instructions I have provided or do not feel capable of performing the task as I have laid out, then take the guitar to a local music store with a competent repair person and let them do it for you.

Be sure to buy a new set of bridge pins because the old ones may be ready to break too. The proper way to remove a bridge pin is to use a string winder. If you look at the "cup" of the string winder you will notice a small half circle notch. This notch perfectly fit underneath the head of the bridge pin. Place the notch under the head of the pin and gently pry the pin up and out of the bridge.
A string winder is an essential tool for a guitarist and it only cost a couple of bucks. Bridge pins usually cost about a $1 each.

good luck!

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How can I remove a bridge pin on an acoustic guitar?

guitar bridge pins image

Allison T

I just tried to change my acoustic guitar strings for the first time, and the bridge pins are really stuck in there. I tried to remove the low E string with needle nose pliers and wiggle it out, but the top of the pin broke and the rest of it is stuck in there. Any suggestions of what I can do to get it out?
I reattached the string so it's still playable, but I can't change it and I'm afraid to change the rest now!

Answer
Okay, loosen your low E string and take it off of the head of the guitar. At the bridge, push the E string down into the guitar an inch or so. This might loosen the pin. Reach your hand into the hole (you probably need to loosen the other strings) and see if you can push out the pin with your fingers. If you can't, try pushing it with something hard like a house key or a coin. Try pushing the other pins out using this method. Again, remember to push the string further into the guitar at the bridge to loosen the pin. You might have to buy a new pin or you can try super-gluing it together and see if you can reuse it.

You might want to check out this tool: http://www.guitarlessonworld.com/lessons/lesson2.htm
It's called a guitar string winder and it comes with a tool to take out the pins. I recommend this over the other method. You can find it at any music store. Good luck!

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How can I get my broken bridge pins out of my acoustic guitar so I can change my strings?

guitar bridge pins image

My brother broke off the top part of two of the bridge pins on my acoustic guitar.I can't figure out how to get them out of there! Can someone tell me how to do this? My strings need replaced real bad. Its an acoustic by the way for those who didn't know. Let me now is there is some trick to getting them out.

Thanks guys.

Answer
IGNORE all previous answers! some of these suggestions are flat out wrong and may damage the guitar if you do it.
I have actually performed this repair several times (I worked in several music stores as the repair guy)
Here is what you do:
#1 loosen all the strings and remove all the ones that you can. Don't worry about string tension or any of that nonsense. Guitar necks are built to survive long periods of no tension.

#2 remove the remaining 2 strings from the headstock and cut them off with a pair of wire cutters close to the bridge.

#3 use a small pair of needle nose pliers and try to push just the remaining string down into the body of the guitar if possible. This will help to unseat the broken bridge pins. (This may not be possible depending on how hard the ball ends of the string are wedged between the end of the pin and the under side of the bridge.)

#4 carefully reach inside the soundhole and try to feel the end of the bridge pins coming through the top of the guitar. If you were able to push the remaining string into the guitar then see if you can gently push the pins up back through the guitar face and bridge.

#5 If the pins will not push up easily then take the small needle nose pliers and gently reach them into the sound hole and grab each pin. Gently push the pin up while lightly twisting it. The pins should come out with a minimal of effort.

DO NOT drill into the pin. DO NOT to attempt to push the pin through the body. DO NOT use a foreign object to try and pry or pull the broken pin out. Any of these things can damage the guitar.

If you cannot remove the pins with the instructions I have provided or do not feel capable of performing the task as I have laid out, then take the guitar to a local music store with a competent repair person and let them do it for you.

Be sure to buy a new set of bridge pins because the old ones may be ready to break too. The proper way to remove a bridge pin is to use a string winder. If you look at the "cup" of the string winder you will notice a small half circle notch. This notch perfectly fit underneath the head of the bridge pin. Place the notch under the head of the pin and gently pry the pin up and out of the bridge.
A string winder is an essential tool for a guitarist and it only cost a couple of bucks. Bridge pins usually cost about a $1 each.

good luck!

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Restringing acoustic guitar, bridge pins won't stay put!!!?

guitar bridge pins image

SeSee Yaa

I'm restringing my sister's guitar and the bridge pins keep popping out when I wind the tuning peg and tighten the string.

Am I doing something wrong, or are the bridge pins just peices of crap????

Answer
You probably are just not pushing them in hard enough. The pin wedges the ball on the end of the string over to the side of the hole through a slot in the pin, or if it's a solid pin it wedges the string over to a slot cut in the bridge. Read the bottom of the article I sent about "Flying bridge pins".

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Restringing acoustic guitar, bridge pins won't stay put!!!?

guitar bridge pins image

SeSee Yaa

I'm restringing my sister's guitar and the bridge pins keep popping out when I wind the tuning peg and tighten the string.

Am I doing something wrong, or are the bridge pins just peices of crap????

Answer
You probably are just not pushing them in hard enough. The pin wedges the ball on the end of the string over to the side of the hole through a slot in the pin, or if it's a solid pin it wedges the string over to a slot cut in the bridge. Read the bottom of the article I sent about "Flying bridge pins".

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How should I know what kind of bridge pins to get for my guitar?

guitar bridge pins image

Fsd

I have a guitar whose strings i am changing, and it's been awfully hard to get the bridge pins off. i had to use pliers to get them off. the bridge pins seemed to fit tightly like a glove, but they were in so ticht. Is it right for it to be like that. I have loong bridge pin holes, and would it be bad to buy brisge pins that are shorter, even if their sides semm to fit?

Answer
It really doesn't matter what bridge pins you buy. They are all the same. You can make them fit with duct tape and super glue.

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Do I need to replace the strings if I replace the bridge pins on an acoustic guitar?

guitar bridge pins image

Gabriel

I'm replacing the bridge pins on my acoustic guitar and I just replaced the strings. Will I need to replace the strings with new ones again if I want to replace the bridge pins?

Answer
Nope, here's a trick: Capo your guitar around the 3rd or 4th fret. Tune your guitar down until the strings are pretty loose but not so much that they come unraveled from the tuner posts, so you can tune back up. That should allow you to pull your bridge pins out and install the new ones, remove the capo and tune back up.

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