Bridge Bone Beads

[canada]

I have a type of bridge beads on my guitar... only problem I have found is the 1st string keeps slipping through! The other strings hold fine, but the 1st takes a while to 'stick' and settle (but only during string changes). I haven't yet tried the strings without the beads, so I cannot comment on the potential sound differences.

[Blondie]

I'm giving up on the beads. My first string breaks all the time. And really, tying the first string was the only "problem" I was looking to solve with the beads. But between string breakage and the fact that they are aesthetically displeasing, I am giving up on them..

I agree, all the above and the fact that they make no difference in sound....

A cheap gimmick, really, I bought several sets and don't use any for the above reasons.

[Bkellyjazz]

I meant to comment on this subject earlier but let it slip my mind. As it is now I have been using the beads for about two months. I have had no problems with them what-so-ever and plan to continue using them.

One of the things I like about them best is that the really allow the string to pass over the saddle at the best angle possible. The loop in tied strings tends to raise the string and reduce the angle.

I tied a knot in the end of the E and B string since others had stated that those strings slipped in the bead. I never tried them without the knot in the string so I have no opinion about that method.

At any rate they are easy to use and reduce the time it takes to ut strings on dramatically..

[rojarosguitar]

Hello, I do use the bone beads on my Stenzel Flamenca Blanca.

Sebastian Stenzel himself gave me the advice not to convert the tie block into 12 holes because the block is quite low and he said that the stability would be diminished. So I ordered the bone beads and I'm quite content.

Changing strings is easier and never any string broke. The sound improved slightly, too (though the guitar was so good before that this wasn't the motive to use the beads at all).

There seems to be an interesting alternative to the bone beads from Japan, but I can't figure out how to get these:

http://www.fana.co.jp/superchip.html

Has anybody some information?

best wishes
Robert

[DaleB]

I'm on my second set of Bone Beads, black. The first set, regardless of which of the 4 treble beads I used, across 2 guitars and 4 sets of strings...drum roll please...the 1st string would break, right where it wraps into the bead. The second set has been OK for about 3 weeks now, using an alternative tie through the bead than the one the instructions indicate. I hold my breath every time I tune. For that reason alone, I don't like them. Anything that creates a sense of discomfort or 'stress' around simply tuning an instrument doesn't pass muster in my book. I like things that enhance my enjoyment, not add stress. After a few good weeks with the new tie on I, quite stupidly, tried the other set on my Hill and I'm actively terrified about what that bead will do to the top if/when it finally cuts through the string, different tie on not withstanding. Come to think, I'm going to go take them off right now.

[rojarosguitar]

Really nobody has any information how to get those super chips???

[Jose-Guitarra8a]

Hello, I do use the bone beads on my Stenzel Flamenca Blanca.

Sebastian Stenzel himself gave me the advice not to convert the tie block into 12 holes because the block is quite low and he said that the stability would be diminished. So I ordered the bone beads and I'm quite content.

Changing strings is easier and never any string broke. The sound improved slightly, too (though the guitar was so good before that this wasn't the motive to use the beads at all).

There seems to be an interesting alternative to the bone beads from Japan, but I can't figure out how to get these:

http://www.fana.co.jp/superchip.html

Has anybody some information?

best wishes

Robert

I too saw these chips. I was in Japan on business twice, unfortunately I was not able to break away from work to find the store.

[John O]

EVen if they don't improve the sound, I like the idea of tying strings away from the instrument. Unfortunately, due to the placement of the string holes in my Angella, the beads are dangerously close to the soundboard--I can barely slip a sheet of paper under them, which makes me a bit nervous about using them now.

[Bkellyjazz]

Well, I've be using the bone beads now for about six months and I haven't had any problems with them and I do think that they sound better. I really can't think of a single reason so far for not using them. I use the D'Adddario Composite set and I was worried that as hard as the composie "G" is it might slip through the bone bead but it didn't.

[Prominent Critic]

I confess I'm mystified why anyone would feel the need to use these things. It's inconceivable to me that they would improve the sound. As for "slipping," in forty years of tying on, I have never once had a string slip.

I double loop the bass strings, and I triple loop the second and first strings. How on earth is that ever going to slip? I also feel it creates more integrity between string and bridge.

Ramon

[FHC]

I tried the bone beads. To me, these seemed useless.

[Vlad Kosulin]

As for "slipping," in forty years of tying on, I have never once had a string slip.

You are very lucky person

[Prominent Critic]

As for "slipping," in forty years of tying on, I have never once had a string slip.

You are very lucky person

Actually not. As I said, if you tie on with a double or triple loop it's basically impossible for a string to slip. I should add that I meant I never had a string slip at the bridge end, since that was the subject at hand. I have occasionally had a string slip on the roller end because I only go once under. Some people advocate going twice under on the roller, but I would strongly recommend not to do that. It will stop it from slipping, but if you do it will take you roughly a month to get the string off.

Ramon

[rgregg48]

If anyone wants some, i will sell a set for 12.00 pp
they increase the break angle,, and are safe to use,,,
but i see no big tonal advantage quite honestly.
Rick

[Vlad Kosulin]

As for "slipping," in forty years of tying on, I have never once had a string slip.

You are very lucky person

Actually not. As I said, if you tie on with a double or triple loop it's basically impossible for a string to slip. Ramon

I also do triple loop, and had 1st string slip once.