Question:
Today I had one of my friends restring my guitar. A problem that kept happening was that the bridge pins would keep popping out as we started to tighten each string. The E string gave us the most trouble. We eventually got each in and each now stays in its place well. But, the bridge pin for the E string is a little bit higher than all of the others. Here is a picture:
Is this normal? Is that high bridge pin a problem? Just looking for some input...
The strings were medium Elixirs and the guitar is an Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500m.

Answer:
That is fairly normal - the slot in the pin isn't large enough for the low E string. You can slot the pin more, slot the bridge itself, or live with it sticking up like that.
If you give each string a little bend about where the end of the wrap is and tuck that towards the soundhole when you insert it, then pull it up tight against the bridgeplate while you insert the pin the won't pop out like that. Properly inserted the ball end of the string wedges the pin in place, it doesn't have to be pushed in hard.

Answer:
On a related note, nothing worse than a stiff bridge pin that won't budge. After my last professional set-up (which was perfect), when it came to changing the strings a month later 2 pins were stuck solid. I almost had to resort to pliers. Almost.
:(

Answer:
What Freeman said - also, I always slice a little wedge off the end of each bridge pin to form a 45deg angle - helps prevent the ballend pulling up the pin.

Answer:
What Freeman and Garth said.
Additionally, the pins on my Martin sit a wee bit proud. I can live with it and I'm too lazy to deepen the slot. As long as the git sounds okay and the pins stay put, the cosmetic issue is merely a matter of preference.
If you ever do have to use a tool to remove pins, be sure to protect them with a soft cloth. Otherwise, they'll get unsightly gouges from the plier teeth.

Answer:
On a related note, nothing worse than a stiff bridge pin that won't budge. After my last professional set-up (which was perfect), when it came to changing the strings a month later 2 pins were stuck solid. I almost had to resort to pliers. Almost.
:( wow I dont think I have ever not used pliers when pulling pins. Is there something wrong with that?
I do have brass pins so they dont get eaten up.
To the OP, just make sure that your ball ends are where they should be. If they are too far down then the pins can pop out. you should be able to see the very end of the ball end wrappings poking out of the pins.

Answer:
Also, it is fine that I am using medium strings with my guitar?
I was browsing the Epiphone forums and someone said that the neck might need adjusted because of the extra tension...is this true?

Answer:
Also, it is fine that I am using medium strings with my guitar?
I was browsing the Epiphone forums and someone said that the neck might need adjusted because of the extra tension...is this true? Could be true. Would be more accurate to say that the truss rod might need adjustment. Possibly a minor adj to the saddle. I have gone from lights to mediums with no adjustments on many guitars though.
You will know.
(If it buzzes...)

Answer:
I use a pair of diagonal cutter to pull stubborn pins. You dont use them to grip, just to get under the ball and then lever upwards. As does Garth, I have been putting a 45 degree angle on the pins for many years - it works great and is very easy to do. I cannot understand why they are not simply made that way.

Answer:
When I get home, I might take off the string and try slotting the bridge pin a little more...how do you recommend doing this? Slowly trimming off with a blade? Sanding it?
Or maybe I'll just leave it, not sure yet...

Answer:
When I get home, I might take off the string and try slotting the bridge pin a little more...how do you recommend doing this? Slowly trimming off with a blade? Sanding it?
Or maybe I'll just leave it, not sure yet... I just run mine over a sheet of sandpaper til I get the angle.

Answer:
1 Attachment(s) I use these for stubborn bridge pins. Works EVERYTIME!

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I use these for stubborn bridge pins. Works EVERYTIME! A gentle way to do it is to reach inside the sound hole and push up with a coin

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A gentle way to do it is to reach inside the sound hole and push up with a coin I use a spoon to lift out the stubborn ones

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I use these for stubborn bridge pins. Works EVERYTIME!
Yeah, but the Fire Department is often occupied at string change time!

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I just run mine over a sheet of sandpaper til I get the angle. I was talking about making the slot bigger, not making the 45 degree angle....but I assume sand paper would work for making the slot bigger as well?

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I was talking about making the slot bigger, not making the 45 degree angle....but I assume sand paper would work for making the slot bigger as well? Oops, you sure were. Sorry. I have done it a couple times using needle files--very time consuming. I will use a Dremel tool next time.

Answer:
I just changed strings on my new Epiphone. The bridge pins were indeed beveled at the bottom but, unfortunaltely, not tight enough to suit me. I tried some brass pins and they just pulled up in the low E string so I didn't go any further with them. I guess I'll go shopping for some slightly thicker ones. The most interesting part of the process, however, was that the nut wasn't glued in. I didn't bother to change that this time but I will next time.

Answer:

These inexpensive tools have a pin puller built into it and it's plastic so less chance of damaging your pins or worst your bridge. When installing the strings in addition to bending the strings and shaping the pin ends as described I will pull the string up and down till I feel it seat with the pin "very loosely" held it in place by hand. It's easy to tell that it's clear of the bottom of pin that way.

Answer:
<sigh> Once again making a big thing out of a little thing. :blah:
There's usually no need to use pliers, modify bridge pins, or call the Fire Dept. if the pins are installed properly to begin with. might be helpful.
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