Gurian bridge pins

[vandenboom]

I am considering buying a larger quantity of bridge pins so had a look at Gurian.
I want unslotted but their site doesn't seem to indicate whether or not this is the case, or to offer a choice?
http://www.gurianinstruments.com/showca ... -end-pins/
I have sent them the question, but in case it takes a while for them to respond, does anyone on the forum know?
Thanks. Frank.

[Allen]

I've just ordered what I want from them via an email. Tell them the taper you want and if it's slotted or not. If it's something common they will most likely have several thousand on the shelf.

[vandenboom]

Thanks Allen. I have never given much thought to choice of taper, but think I have always used 5 degree. Forum search results indicated that choice doesn't matter much as long as you use the appropriate reamer. 5 degree seems to be more common.
Given that I use slotted bridges, I have avoided spending $60 on a fit for purpose reamer and just use a cheap general purpose All-Tools reamer on the assumption that the bridge pins are largely cosmetic and all you want is a sufficiently snug fit to stop the pin from falling out. i.e. the pin is not really doing anything as far as keeping the string in the slot.
If anyone believes there is more to consider, I would be interested as usual.
Thanks. Frank.

[Allen]

Mine are 3 degree and no slot. It's the reamer that I bought years ago and works a treat. No real reason one taper over the other is any better....but using slotted pins is just wrong.

[vandenboom]

For those who might be interested, I just ordered 2 x 1/2 gross (ebony & rosewood) unslotted 5 degree bridge pins from Gurian for about $US50. The shipping calculator on their online ordering system came up with a shipping cost of around $100. After querying it and dealing with Cynthia, it came down to about $16.
Also, not knowing who to query this on their list of contacts, I sent it to two people. 'Eddie' replied saying unslotted pins were a custom item and I would need to buy a minimum of $200 worth. Cynthia replied and arranged the requested quantity of 2 x 1/2 gross (144 pins) and revised shipping cost.
btw, their website does not indicate the taper, but Cynthia replied that all of their bridge pins are 5 degree. I'm not use how firm that is as Allen mentioned he just ordered a batch from them and he seems to use 3 degree.
Frank

[Allen]

Mine were ordered a couple years ago, and while that is what I asked for, I've never really tried to measure them. They work none the less.

[Kamusur]

Just wondering gentlemen every goosestick ive owned including 12ers had slotted pins please any feedback on the unslotted pins would be helpful. (up for buying some pins myself in the new year). Were you only referring to their use in Ukes Allen?

Thanks Steve

[Allen]

Un-slotted for all instruments as far as I'm concerned. It takes a bit longer to cut a proper sized slot for the string to fit in the bridge/top/bridgeplate assembly, but it makes for a much better system. The ball end bears against the bridge plate and if done correctly the pin can be pulled out when string is up to pitch.

Try that with a slotted pin set up. Be sure to were safety glasses.

Slotted pins came about because of the advent of factory instruments. Easy for them to put a slot in a pin rather than having unskilled labour stuff up the bridge. Works for a bit, but the long term effects aren't pretty. Have a look at Frets.com for some good info on the why's and why nots.

[Kamusur]

Thanks very much Allen, think I'll go and chase up that frets article.

Steve

[Mark McLean]

I agree that unslotted pins are the go. I used to think that it was important to have slots in the pins to seat the string in, and I even posted a tutorial here a while ago on a method to cut slots in unslotted bridge pins. But now I am a convert to the idea that Allen mentioned of having the ball of the string properly seated against the bridge plate and not encroaching into the actual hole to wear away at the edge of the plate. It is better to cut minimal slots in the front of the hole to allow the thickness of the string to sit in front of the pin. And yes, the frets.com tutorial is the definitive sermon on this.
Mark

[woodrat]

I have always used slotted pins but I can see the wisdom here...Probably just something I have not given much thought to. I must say that slotted ones can get a bit mashed after a few string changes by amateur owner/operators that buy my guitars:( ...will change over to unslotted....thanks for the information

John

[kiwigeo]

Just placed an order for unslotted bridge pins with Cynthia via email and got a prompt reply. If you request freight via US Postal Service its alot cheaper than UPS rates quoted on the website

[kiwigeo]

Well that was very painless. Ordered my pins via email to Cynthia at Gurian and the order is already on its way.

[maurie]

Obviously pins with pearl and abalone dots would not be able to be sent to Oz? Yes / No ????

Cheers Maurie

[kiwigeo]

Obviously pins with pearl and abalone dots would not be able to be sent to Oz? Yes / No ????

Cheers Maurie

Email them and Im sure theyll get straight back to you with an answer.

Cynthia Smartwood (yes that's her name) is who Ive been dealing with and she's very prompt replying to emails. Cynthia's email address: [email protected]

[maurie]

Thanks Martin.
I will e-mail and post the response for those interested.
Cheers Maurie