There is an aluminium bar - over which the strings pass as the 'bottom pitch defining end stop', and thru slits in which the strings are 'locked' by what appears to be the ball ends. Partly under this, and extending past this (with a gap so that the ball ends can be inserted) is the corroded apprently once nickel plated steel plate, which supports the said aluminium bar. I suspect that this steel plate is unobtainable as a replacement.

I assume the 'bridge pins are the small studs which press on the side of the strings at the top to give the 'top pitch defining end stop' - they appear to be ok, no obvious rust. The tuner pins are quite rusty.

I would like to keep as much as possible original, but if replacing a few minor components with modern similar or identical parts makes the instrument look 'nicer' I don't see a real problem.


As one string is defunct to the extent of total absence, I need to replace one at least - I would prefer to replace the whole set though.