sangemon1281734057 Posted August 19, 2008 Share Posted August 19, 2008 on my Epi Masterbilt. I ordered tools from Stew Mac last week after doing some research on slotted bridges and unslotted pins. I ordered a 5 degree reamer (http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Special_tools_for:_Bridges/Bridge_Pin_Hole_Reamers.html), a slotting saw (http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Special_tools_for:_Bridges/Bridge_Pin_Hole_Saw.html]), and a set of needle files. (http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Files/Needle_Files.html) I also ordered a set of snakewood/abalone-inly unslotted bridge pins and a matching strap button. It was really a cinch. I went very slowly and gently with the reamer and it took just about 2 turns to get the pins seated snugly without strings. Then I took the slotting saw and gently cut the slots, checking frequently with the string to see if the pin would fit all the way down, As soon as the pin fit snugly and was all the way down with the string in the hole I stopped cutting. I had to file the slot wider on the E, A, and D strings and again, I went slowly and checked often. Now the pins are all snugly down all the way and the ball ends of the strings are up snug against the bridge plate. And I also notice a distinct improvement in volume and sustain. This guitar always sounded really good. Now it sounds and looks great. Now that I've done the Epi I feel confident to do my HD-28 when I do the next string change. It's not at all difficult, even for someone like me who is DIY challenged. All you need are patience, good instruction (http://theunofficialmartinguitarforum.yuku.com/topic/61627), and the right tools. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TommyK Posted August 19, 2008 Share Posted August 19, 2008 Congratulations on doing the work yourself! Looks awful professional. I gotta say, re: the last pic. If'n Rosewood didn't sound so good, they would still use Rosewood to build guit tars because it looks so darn purty! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sangemon1281734057 Posted August 19, 2008 Author Share Posted August 19, 2008 Congratulations on doing the work yourself! Looks awful professional. I gotta say' date=' re: the last pic. If'n Rosewood didn't sound so good, they would still use Rosewood to build guit tars because it looks so darn purty![/quote'] It is pretty, yes. And with a John Pease rosewood armrest this guitar looks great, feels great, and really sings. I've got two spectacular Martins, but I keep coming back and playing this one. it's really sweet! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abbeyroadman Posted August 20, 2008 Share Posted August 20, 2008 Hi - Very interesting project, thanks for sharing. Has made me consider doing the same with mine. Did you notice any change to the string action? Regards Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TommyK Posted August 20, 2008 Share Posted August 20, 2008 Just curious, how do you use the needle files on this project? Clean up of the slots? I've never noticed this but due to the fact that the pegs aren't lined up with the saddle, the low E string breaks sharper than the high e and the others fall in between.... I wonder what advantage there might be in lining up the pegs parallel to the saddle? Something to ponder. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sangemon1281734057 Posted August 20, 2008 Author Share Posted August 20, 2008 Hi - Very interesting project' date=' thanks for sharing. Has made me consider doing the same with mine. Did you notice any change to the string action? Regards [/quote'] There was no effect on the action. Everything with this operation happens behind the saddle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sangemon1281734057 Posted August 20, 2008 Author Share Posted August 20, 2008 Just curious' date=' how do you use the needle files on this project? Clean up of the slots? I've never noticed this but due to the fact that the pegs aren't lined up with the saddle, the low E string breaks sharper than the high e and the others fall in between.... I wonder what advantage there might be in lining up the pegs parallel to the saddle? Something to ponder.[/quote'] Yes, the needle files are used to smooth the slot and the widen the slots for the EAD strings. Some folks have repositioned the bridge pin holes to match the saddle angle, but that kind of work is above my pay grade. I don't think it will affect anything tonally, but it might look better, or not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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