I'm thinking that maybe a change of bridge pins for my bottom two or three strings may get me there but I'm unsure which way to go.

I've tried lots of different strings and mixed them all up with some pretty interesting results but all of that has lead me to ask this question here.

Is there a certain change that you all would recommend that would add a certain crunchyness or harshness to the bottom end yet leave the mid-top end smooth and crisp. I'm looking for the bottom end to contrast that piano like tone that Collings are known for.

Thanks, any suggestions are appreciated.

When reading the subject my first thought was to put cornflakes in your shorts.

I don't really know what you are looking for. Crunchy bass? Do you want brighter bass? More boom?

I guess I'm looking for the low end to lose some of the smoothness and become more defined. I guess it could be brighter bass. That's the direction I'm headed anyway.

It seems like bridge pins are usually talked about in reference to what they do for the high end. Maybe adding brightness to the lowend strings would equal what I'm imagining.

Assuming you've got the Collings ebony pins in there now, you might try bone or FWI to give you what you want.

Disclaimer: I'm not writing from experience, but I am considering this same mod. Let us know how it turns out!

Thanks you guys for the replies.

Musicdoc, are you also going after some crunchyness? What model?

I also prefer a brighter and very focus bass. I current have bone pins on my OM2HAV but I think FWI is even better if you want a crisp and bright sounding guitar.

FWI saddle and pins with a Mahagony/Adirondack Collings should probably give you the brightest bass you could ever dream of.

It's looking like that's the direction I'll go. I'm playing a 0002H but it seems like using the FWI pins on my bottom 2 or 3 strings would be good to try. I'll probably just buy a set to have, maybe I'll end up liking the way they sound all the way around.

thanks again for the replies.

quote:

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Originally posted by rocknrollrjm:
Musicdoc, are you also going after some crunchyness? What model?

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I've got a D-2HA that is less than a year old, so I expect the bass to strengthen as the adi top continues to open up. I don't know that "crunchiness" is exactly what I'm after, but I do sometimes think that the ebony pins might be muffling the wound strings just a bit. I guess what I'm looking for is a little more power and sustain from the low strings.

I have an elephant ivory saddle, BTW, which is warmer than bone or FWI. I like it very much, but also wonder if I'm losing anything in the process. Maybe bone or FWI pins can give me back a little of what the EI tapers.

On the other hand, when you get down to this level of detailed tonal characteristics, different strings and picks can have a more noticeable effect--and much cheaper than FWI pins.

Different pins will do nothing to change the tone. Those expensive sets of pins you can buy are about worthless unless you just like the look of them. The testimonials of those who have already spent money on them should be viewed with a jaundiced eye. I ran across this earlier http://littlebrother.nlpd.com/pintest/default.htm

You might get some extra snap from a FWI saddle, I couldn't say for sure. Your best bet is to try out different strings and keep new strings on (maybe buy some extra single bass strings). Also take a close look at the string contact on the saddle - you want a fairly small contact area and the angle set right. Same goes for the ramp angle on the nut. If they are not set up right now these adjustments could help.
Regards, Rick

quote:

Different pins will do nothing to change the tone. Those expensive sets of pins you can buy are about worthless unless you just like the look of them.

I could not more fully disagree with this post. Pins ALONE made a significant difference on the two guitars I own that I installed them in. One a Taylor 514, and the other a Martin
D-28. I was a non-believer until I let my ears be the judge. If you noticed no difference, that's great and I certainly respect your opinion, but making definitive statements, including the word worthless, is simply irresponsible. As far as the online taste test you referred to, there is no proof or factual basis to that test. I don't believe detergent commercials saying my whites will be their whitest either, just because they say so. I do know however, that the A/B comparison on two instruments I have here in front of me did show a remarkable difference.

Jess,
Respectfully I simply do not believe that. Either something else was altered on your guitar at the same time or you are hearing with moneyed ears. Again respectfully as I believe you believe it is true.
Regards, Rick

This message has been edited. Last edited by: rick-slo,

quote:

Either something else was altered on your guitar at the same time

such as?

old pins out, new pins in. Its not rocket science.

quote:

or you are hearing with moneyed ears.

Again, an irresponsible comment. Your Rick-the-final-word attitude says it all. Unfortunately you seem to be in quite the minority of common feedback from these products. Good then. Enjoy your plastic parts, and I'll enjoy my waste of moneys.