Do Bridge Pins Matter? How Bridge Pins Affect your Tone

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Does it really matter what an acoustic guitar bridge pins are made of? It may appear their primary function is to hold the string ball ends in place, and you’ve probably never given them a second thought. So you may be surprised to know our parts catalogue includes several bridge pin sets, from synthetics like plastic and galalith to more natural materials like wood and bone. Each material has its own distinct character and appeal, whether you’re thinking about tone or aesthetics.

Plastic Pins

The most common bridge pins are made of plastic. These are lightweight, practical parts that perform their function reliably. Plastic pins are easy to fit and inexpensive to replace, and most players will find them to be perfectly adequate. These traits make them ubiquitous in the acoustic steel-string guitar universe, especially on beginner or more budget-friendly models.

Bone Pins - Rooted in Tradition

Plastic, however isn’t your only choice. Bone has a long history as a construction material for a lot of instruments, including acoustic guitar. It’s the traditional material for nuts and saddles because of its hardness and ability to transfer vibration cleanly. As bridge pins, bone offers sustain and resonance, along with a classic look. Compared with plastic, bone pins often feel very smooth to the touch and can be a durable long-term choice. To hear the difference between plastic and bone, check out the comparison video below:

Wooden Pins – A choice of Tintul and Ebony

Tintul wood pins deliver a warmer response and are slightly more resonant than their plastic counterparts. Other woods like ebony offer a clear, articulate response that can help brighten up a warm-sounding guitar. Apart from their tonal properties, wooden pins also add a ‘woody’ aesthetic to the instrument. You can hear how they sound in the videos linked below.

Galalith Pins – A casein-based composite

If you find plastic, wood, or bone to be too boring and conventional for you, then you might want to check out galalith pins. Galalith is a synthetic material made from casein, and provides a traditional ivory look, and clear, articulate tone transfer. These pins will appeal to players looking for something more modern and unique than the more traditional materials used for bridge pins. Check out the video link below to hear the difference.

Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong, or best option, as each material has its own advantages and set of aesthetics that it can add to your instrument. If you’re curious to hear how some of these materials compare in real playing scenarios, be sure to check out the Ultimate Bridge Pin Shootout video on our YouTube channel to hear the different bridge pins compared side-by-side, and decide what works best for you.

Explore our Bridge Pins on the Thomann website

Harley Benton Plastic Bridge Pins:

Harley Benton Bone Bridge Pins:

Harley Benton Bridge Pin Set Bone with Ebony Inlays

Harley Benton Wood Bridge Pins:

Harley Benton Galalith Bridge Pins:

Harley Benton Bridge Pin Set Galalith Ivoroid with Ebony Inlays