Bridge Bone Beads

[Charlie De]

I was looking through the classical guitar section of e - b a y and came across these being advertised. They are apparently reusable string end devises. I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with these or had an opinion about them.

[Azalais]

Are you referring to "bridge pins"?

[Charlie De]

These are rectangular blocks through which you weave the string ends. They seen to be like a reusable ball end.

[Cincy2]

Do you mean these? This is a picture of the bridge on my Bernabe Imperial. If I had my choice, I'd rather have a three hole bridge than the beads. The last time I was changing strings I narrowly averted a "cat"astrophic loss when one of our furry felines made a grab for one. I got there first fortunately or I don't know what I would have done. I didn't get any spares with the guitar.

[Norman Spencer]

I have used ball ends snipped off of old guitar strings for the same purpose. I have also used appropriate costume jewelery beads purchased from the dollar store. I am not yet convinced that this produces noticeable results. If I remember accurately, the beads on e - b a y cost about $10-15 per set. I think this is exhorbitant.

[jspolley]

I think the concept is that it adds some mass, and therefore tone Kinda like the bridge pins and such that you can put on a standard acoustic to improve sound. Seems like a gimmick to me...

[AUGclassic]

thanks for the dollar store bead idea. I will try them. One obvious adavantage is that they may prevent a string from scratching the soundboard.
Thanks

[orbiterred]

http://www.bridgebonebeads.com

they look kinda cool if nothing else. I was thinking about getting a set but yeah 20 bucks (shipped to canada) sounds a little ridiculous...

[el_guitarrero]

Okay, but what about the string angle that changes? Does it improve the pressure onto the saddle as shown on the e - b a y site? Has anyone noticed a change in the sound?

Thanks !

[Norman Spencer]

After experimenting with alternatives, including beads, the 12 hole tie block seems to provide a good way to obtain all of the advantages of"Bridge Bone Beads" without the cost.
Consistent, optimum break angle, neat appearance and easy fastening of the strings. Further advantages? Holes cost nothing and are difficult to lose!

I recently converted the 6 hole tie block on my LaPatrie Etude to 12 holes. The job took about 10 minutes, The results were very satisfactory. I chose to modify this guitar because it is my oldest, cheapest and easiest to replace instrument. I think that the elegant, clean look of a 12 hole tie block makes bone beads look like cheap flash.

[Temporary Saint]

I don't see these things making any considerable change in either the break angle or the tone. I'm not even sure they save any time when restringing. I think melting the string ends into a ball is the best all-around alternative, but what do you do for the wound strings?

cancon,
What does that 12 hole block you mentioned look like?

Steve
8{I

[Michael]

I don't see these things making any considerable change in either the break angle or the tone. I'm not even sure they save any time when restringing. I think melting the string ends into a ball is the best all-around alternative, but what do you do for the wound strings?

I don't think one needs to worry about the wound strings as they are very less likely to slip. I only loop the wound strings once at the bridge, making sure the loop end is tucked behind the bridge.
I don't melt my top three strings either, as I feel two or three loops with the loop end, again, tucked behind the bridge prevents slippage.

[jdart3000]

Looking for an opinion . . . I just ordered a set of these from Rosette at a weak moment on impulse (sorry, I should've checked this forum first --- buyer's remorse). Does anyone know if there any danger of splitting the bridge? I ask this because from the photo it looks like the pressure will be in a different part of the bridge (pushing directly into the concave part rather than being distributed over & through it). I raise this because one of my guitars is 30 yrs old & the wood may be brittle. Don't want to ruin an expensive instrument for the sake of a $20 toy.

Thanks,
John

[ChiyoDad]

Good discussion. I was wondering about these beads this morning after seeing them on the-auction-site-that-must-not-be-named. I've decided to pass on them.

[jdart3000]

I used these Beads on my Alhambra 4P and, maybe it's just psychological, they did seem to increase the volume and brightness. The last time I changed strings I left them off, just to see. The sound seems quieter. I wrote to the seller/manufacturer about my concern for splitting the bridge (see earlier post). He assured me it hadn't been a problem. I didn't have a problem. But I keep looking at how they press against the bridge in a way that the bridge wasn't designed for. For this reason I wouldn't dare put them on my more expensive (and 30 yr old) guitar. The older wood just might be brittle.

They do give a "different" look to the guitar. I'm still trying to decide if "different" means better or just "cheap flash" as someone else mentioned.

I'm afraid this post only adds a layer of cloudiness to the issue.

John