Pin-less Bridges

[William2]

I've seen certain brands that don't use bridge pins. Is there an advantage or disadvantage to pin-less bridges? I kind of like the idea.

[BlueBowman]

Advantages: no more dealing with pins/pinholes of any kind; so changing strings is certainly quicker; no more six small holes weakening the top in a stressed location; no more bridge plate, which now allows for more fine tuning/bracing of that area; bridge plates, even small ones, add stiffness and weight, so I imagine getting rid of them is a big win for builders.

Disadvantages: the ball ends of the strings sit right on top of the place where the bridge wants to shear upward due to string tension; some luthiers claim pin-less bridges have a higher rate of failure (bridge lift), but there are plenty of great builders using them. Pin bridges are also susceptible to bridge lift, of course. I think in either design, bridge lift probably has something to do with humidity concerns.

I love Jeff Elliott's pin-less bridge design (9th photo from right): https://www.elliottguitars.com/steel-string-bridges.html

[B0WIE]

It often changes the break angle which, among other things, changes the sound. Even if the angle is maintained, there's something to be said for strings attaching to a bridge plate and the rotational pressure in that scenario. I, personally, have zero interest. Not to dissuade anyone else, it's just not for me based on my experience.

[Queequeg]

I have one pinless bridge, on an Emerald carbon fiber guitar.
It's the one and only thing I dislike about that guitar.

[John in Charm City]

I have one pinless bridge, on an Emerald carbon fiber guitar.
It's the one and only thing I dislike about that guitar.

interesting comment - I also hate the keyway on the emerald bridge. On the flip side, I absolutely love the adjustability of the electric style bridge that they use.  a fair trade except when I am changing strings!

John

[nobodeuno]

I have a Breedlove Oregon Concert Myrtlewood/spruce...I don't care for it, bridge that is...It actually takes me longer to change strings because I have to be so careful not to ding the top and seat the ball just right. The back of the bridge is a bit chipped over the years and as someone said not sure if it activates the top as much as a pin bridge.?

[William2]

Here is a short video discussion by the Lowden's talking about pin less bridges. They talk about brake angle, and George contends that this type of bridge is great for fingerstyle players that just use their fingers not necessarily metal finger picks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6MOyeIeYVY

[John in Charm City]

Interesting piece. I'm certainly not going to debate him. But I do like the ease of pinless bridges when well done. Nope, not gonna mention my 1978 Ovation!

John