Bridge pins might seem like a minor component on an acoustic guitar, but they can actually play a role in shaping its sound. For those looking to subtly refine or enhance their guitar’s tone without breaking the bank, experimenting with different bridge pins can be a worthwhile endeavor. Initially skeptical, like many guitarists, about whether such a small part could make a noticeable difference, I discovered firsthand that changing bridge pins can indeed influence an acoustic guitar’s sonic characteristics. My journey led me to explore various materials, culminating in the installation of Fossilized Walrus Ivory (FWI) bridge pins from Maury’s Music – an upgrade that has genuinely impressed me in both sound and aesthetics.
Wanting to enhance my Martin OM-28VR, I opted for FWI pins featuring tortoise dots, reminiscent of the classic appointments found on 1930s OM-28 models. The ivory itself possesses a beautiful, marble-like appearance, presenting a creamy white base interspersed with delicate veins of gray and soft orange. Some pins exhibit a subtle tan hue around their heads, while others showcase more pronounced color variations. The dark, brick-red tortoise dots, each with unique figuring, add a touch of vintage charm and authenticity. Combined with a new Greven Tor-Tis pickguard, these bridge pins elevate the visual appeal of my reissue guitar, giving it a look that rivals the costliness of a genuine vintage instrument.
While swapping out Guitar Bridge Pins won’t create a dramatic tonal shift equivalent to changing the saddle or nut, nor will it transform a Sitka spruce-topped guitar into an Adirondack powerhouse, it offers a nuanced way to fine-tune your instrument’s inherent voice. This subtle adjustment, however, can make a discernible and pleasing difference. Different guitar bridge pin materials possess unique properties that affect sound transmission. Some materials may soften the higher frequencies or dampen certain parts of the tonal spectrum, resulting in a mellower sound. Conversely, others can accentuate brilliance and emphasize specific frequencies, bringing them to the forefront of the guitar’s voice. Choosing the ideal bridge pins for a particular guitar often involves some experimentation and ultimately comes down to individual sonic preferences.
Upon installing the FWI pins on my OM-28VR, I immediately noticed an increase in volume and a significant improvement in sustain. Chords and individual notes, especially when using techniques like hammer-ons, resonated with greater intensity and for a longer duration. Allowing notes to ring out revealed that the sound not only started louder but also remained loud for an extended period, sustaining over the harmonic richness and undertones. Remarkably, the intricate details within the initial chord or sustained note, along with their sympathetic harmonics, maintained their clarity and definition even as the sound gradually faded.
Furthermore, I experienced enhanced warmth in the lower frequencies and a more pronounced “ring” in the unwound treble strings. This treble response wasn’t a delicate chime but rather a robust, bell-like resonance, adding presence and distinction to the fundamental notes, which in turn contributed to the delightful increase in sustain. Overall, fossilized walrus ivory bridge pins offer remarkable value in terms of the noticeable tonal enhancement they bring to a quality acoustic guitar. I suspect they would be even more beneficial for budget-friendly guitars, which can often benefit greatly from any upgrade that improves their sonic performance.
If you’re currently using plastic bridge pins and considering a switch to FWI, I anticipate you’ll experience a similar positive transformation. Even when upgrading from bone or vintage elephant ivory pins, the change to FWI can yield noticeable improvements, including a slight increase in volume and sustain, a welcome addition of warmth and color in the midrange and lower frequencies, and fuller, more authoritative trebles. While the trebles might lose a touch of ethereal purity compared to some other materials, they gain in presence and overall impact.
For many acoustic guitar players, FWI bridge pins represent an excellent value proposition, offering both aesthetic refinement and tangible tonal benefits. In my experience, they stand out as one of the most rewarding upgrades I’ve made to my acoustic guitar.
On the Guitaracity T Spoon Scale, where 8 Notes signifies perfection, I wholeheartedly award Fossilized Walrus Ivory Bridge Pins a resounding 7 Notes.
