Martin HD 28

Subject: RE: Martin HD 28
From: GUEST,Henry
Date: 10 Nov 19 - 07:40 AM

If one has time on their side, the sawing of the strung slots will be during string changes will lower the first fret string height. In fact, the the time it would take will vary according to breakage angle.

Subject: RE: Martin HD 28
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 10 Nov 19 - 11:49 AM

If all the strings are too high, the simpler solution is to take the nut off (give it a sharp tap on the end with a drift after removing the strings) and filing the bottom down. Glue it back on to the end of the fretboard and not the whole nut-slot. Just a dab will do - some people don’t even bother with glue, the strings should hold it in place.

Subject: RE: Martin HD 28
From: GUEST,Henry
Date: 10 Nov 19 - 12:17 PM

It's a very nice guitar though. I knew string height at the first fret was a little too high but I still bought it because of tone. Another HD28 wouldn't sound the same and the nut can always be sorted. Thanks for the input :)

Subject: RE: Martin HD 28
From: GUEST,Henry
Date: 11 Nov 19 - 10:02 AM

Ordered a set of Bob Colosi bone pins with lettered inlay. They spell "MARTIN" - assuming you put then in the right order! I thought it might add an X factor when gigging!

Subject: RE: Martin HD 28
From: GUEST,Henry
Date: 12 Nov 19 - 06:48 AM

Does anyone know if the Antique Acoustic bridge pins are worth the extra cost? Are they more durable than, say, the stock Martin plastic? Does bridge pin material matter? Can YOU hear a difference?

Subject: RE: Martin HD 28
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 12 Nov 19 - 10:35 AM

In my “limited” experience; my Martin still has the bendy plastic ones it came with in 1974, bridge pin material can have very little influence on the sound of an instrument.

The main aspect to consider is weight so if you replace plastic with bone or wood, you’d be hard pressed to tell the difference. On the other hand, if you replace wood/bone/plastic with brass, you’re likely to increase the guitar’s top end. (This is commonly done to add weight to the bridge of an instrument which has had the bridge reduced in height, and consequently weight, to ward off the need of a neck reset.)

Now if you replace a cheap set of pins with an expensive set, that is definitely going to make you think the sound has been improved!!!

Subject: RE: Martin HD 28
From: GUEST,Henry
Date: 12 Nov 19 - 11:39 AM

Thanks. I see Martin has introduced Liquid Metal bridge pins. They're not cheap but seem to be popular. Not so much a tone-changer as brass as they seem to be an alloy. From £99 I believe. If ever you'd want to imagine an improvement...!

Subject: RE: Martin HD 28
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 12 Nov 19 - 12:45 PM

Like abalone bindings, bridge pins are entirely cosmetic so you pays your money and takes your choice. Personally, whilst I could easily afford it, I wouldn’t pay £99 for any set of pins.

Their only function is to stop the ball end of the string from slipping out of the notch in the bridge plate. They don’t need to be forced into the hole and if you need some sort of tool to get them out you’re pushing them in too hard.

Subject: RE: Martin HD 28
From: GUEST,Henry
Date: 12 Nov 19 - 02:17 PM

One of the reasons Martin shop worldwide with plastic pins in their guitars is because the material is ibhert - won't swell and damage the bridge in high humidity. Same is true of bone. But wood pins, now they're different.

Subject: RE: Martin HD 28
From: GUEST,Henryt
Date: 12 Nov 19 - 02:22 PM

Ship not shop!

Subject: RE: Martin HD 28
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 13 Nov 19 - 04:10 AM

If you believe that ...........! Why does no-one else follow that theory? I suggest that the real reason, given the number of guitars they churn out, is because it’s cheaper, they’re just as good and they can sell ones in different materials as an “upgrade”.

It’s generally accepted that low humidity is the main problem and, except in very cold snowy/frosty winter periods, that’s not something we generally suffer from in the UK.

Subject: RE: Martin HD 28
From: GUEST,Hemru
Date: 13 Nov 19 - 05:01 AM

Others DO follow that theory Ray and Mary's Music may serve as an example. Stock Martin pins ARE inexpensive and that WILL also be a consideration for Martin.

Subject: RE: Martin HD 28
From: GUEST,Henry
Date: 13 Nov 19 - 05:09 AM

Maury's Music actually!

Subject: RE: Martin HD 28
From: GUEST,Henry
Date: 13 Nov 19 - 06:03 AM

There's a bunch of reasons why Martin choose plastic pins. You can choose any one and be just as right as the next man. You could say it's part of Martin's history, or that it keeps costs down (for buyer AND seller) or you could say it's to protect the bridge when shipping worldwide. Arguably you'd be right.