Maritime and other Seagull models bridge pins.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jud Hair on April 18, 2012 at 11:19am

Street price for the D-45 was "only" $8,100 at GC in Atlanta last week when I took one down off the wall       :-)

And I agree, if fossilized mastadon ivory (or even moon rocks) were superior to plain old plastic, you'd certainly think that Martin would throw a set on the D-45 ... or even the poor little $2,000 D-18.  But they don't.

I think what Martin is telling us is that bridge pins don't make a difference .. or that weighing down the top vibration with heavier bridge pin material is not beneficial.

Permalink Reply by Wayne Simpson on April 18, 2012 at 11:26am

I think it's safe to say that the difference, if any, is slight.

What do they use for nut and saddle?

Permalink Reply by Jud Hair on April 18, 2012 at 1:09pm

Bone nut, bone saddle ... plastic bridge pins.

Martin D-45 Specs

Permalink Reply by Wayne Simpson on April 18, 2012 at 1:58pm

Heh, heh... I note that under "bridge pins" it does not say "White Plastic w/ Abalone Pearl Dots"

But no matter; I certainly agree that the pin material is of relatively little consequence and I wouldn't spend a lot of money on a set of uber-pins.

Permalink Reply by Jud Hair on April 18, 2012 at 2:11pm

Trust me ... when they don't specify bone or ivory or ebony, etc., they are plastic. It's like when guitar makers specify solid sitka top, but then say "mahogany" sides and back, you can read that as laminate.

Permalink Reply by Phil Manuel on April 24, 2012 at 6:29pm

Well, heard back from customer service, and HD-28's come with plastic bridge pins and end pins.

Saddle:16'' Radius/Compensated/Bone

Nut Material:Bone

Now, I don't really know if upgrading bridge pins enhance the sound on this beast, it's already great sounding to me.  But it is interesting that any guitar over 1K really ought to be better appointed in that area, even if it doesn't enhance the sound.  Also, the stock 640 cases, at least mine, is not very good.  It's made by TKL, but this one of mine doesn't stay open, and only opens to about 85 degrees.  I have to use one hand to keep it open, and lift the guitar out with the other.  That metal trim just scares me, I can see it coming down on the top.  I wrote Martin and the dealer, and they think it's not up to snuff, and I'll be bringing it back for a replacement - though I'll upgrade to the Geib case.

Permalink Reply by Jud Hair on April 24, 2012 at 7:41pm

Phillip ... I agree that if bone or ebony bridge pins made a qualitative difference in the sound then it would seem foolish for Martin to scrimp on such a minor detail.  I honestly believe that the lightest material possible is the best for bridge pins and that turns out to be regular old plastic ... Heavier material in the bridge pins weighs down the top and inhibits vibration.  My Martin came with the TKL case as well, but it stays open and closed without any problem.  The only gripe I have is with the "ribbon" that supports the top when it's open.  I always have to remember to tuck it in as I close the case or the loop it forms it sticks outside.

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