Anybody tried "Power Pins" for acoustic guitar bridges?

[eclecticsynergy]

Wondering if there's actually a noticeable improvement in tone & volume as claimed, along with less string tension (thanks to shallower break angle) without loss of punch. They look pretty ugly to me but if they really do improve tone as well as making restringing easier, I'd think about trying a set on an acoustic of lesser quality. I might be able to get used to the appearance if they're good.

https://www.premierguitar.com/articles/Bigrock_Engineering_Introduces_Power_Pins

 

[Chistopher]

Re: Anybody tried "Power Pins" for acoustic guitar bridges?

Looks pretty snakeoil-y. Anything that's claims to "improve tone" usually has no way to back that claim. And it also says it makes tuning easier. How? And finally, less tension usually equates to less volume, not more.

I have an accoustic with a Tune-o-matic and a stop bar, and that basically does the same thing.

 

[Boogie Bill]

Re: Anybody tried "Power Pins" for acoustic guitar bridges?

I think it will depend on the guitar and the player's mindset. Might work on a Seagull or Takamine, but not on the Yamaha. You probably won't see many bluegrassers use them on their vintage Martins.

Tusk bridge pins were a huge improvement over the ebony pins in my Taylor 710-CE. My non-player girlfriend heard it right away. Pins can and do make a difference. Fossilized Walrus Ivory and bone are considered by many to be the best.

Bill

 

[Mincer]

Re: Anybody tried "Power Pins" for acoustic guitar bridges?

$50 is a lot for bridge pins. Maybe they just add mass. That might help tone a bit. The overall concept might work, but I don't know if I will spend $60 to find out.

 

[PS412]

Re: Anybody tried "Power Pins" for acoustic guitar bridges?

mmmmm ahhhhhh nnnnn maybe

 

[eclecticsynergy]

Re: Anybody tried "Power Pins" for acoustic guitar bridges?

I think the tone & volume improvement is (supposed to be) due to better coupling- the pins screw together with with a metal strip under the bridgeplate, essentially making a single rigid piece.

I do realize that theoretically more mass should translate to less volume, especially in the treble. Yet I saw a demo of various bridge pins where the brass ones actually sounded brighter despite the added weight. And maybe a bit louder.

Of course there are some who maintain that bridge pins make no difference at all. As with many things, it's probably highly dependent on the particular model and maybe the individual instrument.

And yes, that's certainly a lot to pay for bridge pins!

I'm just curious if anyone here has had firsthand experience trying these out.

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: Anybody tried "Power Pins" for acoustic guitar bridges?

I don't believe it. Some of their claims don't make sense and therefore I don't trust anything they say.

Instead of wild claims, I prefer the understated facts.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Anybody tried "Power Pins" for acoustic guitar bridges?

I would think a product like this is a hard sell.
First, you have to convince people that they need it, despite having gotten along so far without them. Then you have to get them to believe your claims with no science behind it. It is hard when your product is expensive for what people usually pay a few dollars for (even exotic wood, or TUSQ pins are not that much).

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Anybody tried "Power Pins" for acoustic guitar bridges?

Only way to know is to try a set and see.

Which was the point of the thread.

So far, no one has.

 

[eclecticsynergy]

Re: Anybody tried "Power Pins" for acoustic guitar bridges?

Yup. Me neither. I might try a set of brass pins though, for a couple of bucks. Don't need (or want) any change on my good acoustics. But earlier this year I got one with laminated sides that isn't as bright or as lively compared to my others.

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Anybody tried "Power Pins" for acoustic guitar bridges?

Yup. Me neither. I might try a set of brass pins though, for a couple of bucks. Don't need (or want) any change on my good acoustics. But earlier this year I got one with laminated sides that isn't as bright or as lively compared to my others.

I do use fossilized Ivory pins on my four acoustic guitars. Sounds a little better to me than plastic. Different materials do sound different although the diff is subtle and not everyone seems to hear it.

Truthfully, I couldn't even say with certainty what that difference is...more an emotional or feeling thing.

Maybe it's just me who feels different...but I like that feeling.