Official Luthiers Forum!

This is probably a dumb question but after reading the thread on slotted or unslotted bridge pins I was wondering if you use unslotted pins, which seems to be the overwhelming preference, then do you slot the bridge pin holes to allow for the string thickness? I'm confused because I've always used slotted pins.

Thanks, Steve H.

Yes you slot the bridge for string clearance and slope angle. Personally, in my opinion even if you use slotted pins you still need to slot the bridge to set the slope angle or else the sting ends up binding or breaking to steeply on the edge of the bridge pin hole.

Steve my friend yes I slot my bridges, tops, and bridge plates and use unslotted pins. BTW if all you can find or have is slotted pins just turn them around and don't use the slots.

This is not the best picture but you will get the idea I think:

Thanks guys, that makes sense to me. I appreciate the help.

Steve