Is there a way I can tell if my bridge pins are bone?

[pocaloc]

I have a new to me '51 LG2. I don't think the white colored bridge pins are original. I think they had black pins. I can't tell if they are plastic or bone. Is there a way I can tell?

[guitarstrummer]

Pull one of the pins out. Heat up a needle and try poking the pin somewhere on the bottom where it won't show when reinstalled. If it's plastic it should melt.

[pocaloc]

Oh, wow, good idea. Thanks

[guitarstrummer]

You're welcome.

[modoc_333]

you can usually find a molding mark or seam on plastic pins. not on bone. also, dropping them on a table usually gives them away. the bone ones have more ring and sound hollow with a high ping.

[guitarstrummer]

If they're not plastic there's also a slight possibility that they could be tusq.

[onewilyfool]

Do you have a dog? Try giving him one and see if he goes outside and tries to bury it.....

[Motherofpearl]

Lick them

[pocaloc]

[E-minor7]

Guess the glowing needle method would work if in doubt between horn and dark wood too.

Any better suggestions ?

[onewilyfool]

I think if you get a magnifying glass and look closely, plastic will have no grain, and bone will have some grain to it. Also, usually bone pins have an unpolished shaft, or at least unpolished groove for the string, usually only the heads are polished. The shaft will feel somewhat rough. The string groove in plastic is usually smooth. Plastic will have ridges as part of a two half mould process.....a little harder to tell with Tusque. Also, there some ornery types on the forum who always seem to have a bone to pick with someone, maybe they are experts on bone, too???