Topic: bone vs. plastic

I've got a few guitars that have bone nuts and a few with plastic nuts.  Also all of my acoustics have plastic bridges and string pins.  I know bone nuts has an advantage over plastic but how about on the acoustics bridge and the pins?  Will that help the tone out much on acoustic guitars switching from plastic?

Re: bone vs. plastic

Bone is always better than plastic, but 'm not sure if they make bone bridge pins. Someone here will know..... there are some intelligent people on this forum. If they don't make them, have a T-bone for dinner, get out the scroll saw and files and make some for your gitter..... I think most are usually made from cow bones these days (or camels... though camels are not as plentiful where I live, anyway)! Have fun....

Re: bone vs. plastic

Oh yeah they make bone string pegs.  Lookup  www.stewmac.com they offer exotic woods, plastic and bone.  If you can shape it you can bone it.... wait that didn't sound right.

Re: bone vs. plastic

They make all kinds of bridge pins.  I was surprised how each type changed the tone on my Acoustic.  I found bone added clarity but was too bright.  I settled on ebony pins which were both clear and tone-full when compared to plastic.

Russ B.

Re: bone vs. plastic

No, that didn't sound right. but..... anyway, the bone is bound to be an improvement over plastic. I almost always change my nut on my guitars.... wait, that didn't sound right either ! This is getting out of hand....... wait, aw, forget it.

Re: bone vs. plastic

Here is a guy I dealt with a few times. His name is Bob Colosi and he makes some damn good exotic pins and nuts. I put both on my Taylor Big Baby and really enjoyed the sound. His site is:

http://www.guitarsaddles.com/

be sure to check him out! Very friendly and great service.



Rob

All my tears they fell like rain, cant you hear them falling?
Led Zeppelin: Since I been Loving You

Re: bone vs. plastic

Saddles made of plastic - "talk about a tone killer. It's HOLLOW!!! - Seriously, how does air help with transferring string vibrations?" When you take off the nut, the underside of them has a big empty space in them. "Plastic is bad enough, but hollow plastic?  Just how much money do companies need to make?  Less quality for you, more money for them." (dajosguitars.com, 2009)

A solid bone nut transfers string vibration better. You know how you want everything on your guitar to be tight? The whole tonepros mentality? Bone nuts attribute to that as well. Soft plastic nuts are not even solid and are more of an insulator than a conductor when it comes to sound.

http://www.dajosguitars.com/repairs.htm

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool