The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #147555   Message #3421408
Posted By: Ian Hendrie
17-Oct-12 - 01:31 PM
Thread Name: Tech: Replacing plastic bridge pins?
Subject: RE: Tech: Replacing plastic bridge pins?
Having tried out the Alternative String Anchoring System on an old and beaten up Fender F-85 that I've recently acquired I can make the following comments :

1. Using the system is very easy. Stringing and tuning was effected quickly. There was none of the ball-end settling into position which I sometimes get.

2. The Fender had good sustain anyway but this was significantly improved with the ASA system.

3. Damage to the bridge plate and pins will no longer occur. I've always wondered about the strings cutting into rims of the holes in the bridge. Brass rims to the holes would stop this damage and might improve the pin-less look. I might look into this.

4. I cannot comment on the ease of changing a broken string quickly in the performance situation but I suspect it may be a little slower and more tricky than with just pins.

5. I was happy to pay the price asked as the inventor deserves reward for their time spent developing this. There were actually 12 string anchors/washers in the kit so a few pounds per guitar is not much for a significant improvement in the sound.

I'll have to see how I get on with this system but I have never been happy with plastic pins. I tried brass and there was a difference but I reverted eventually to a form of plastic. The guitars where strings are threaded through the bridge as in a Breedlove and a Crafter I possess would seem to suffer less damage during repeated stringings.

I hope these comments are of some use.