[Medic1911]

On my accoustic electric guitar, when I bought the guitar, it came with strings that had beads at the end. So I madr sure I bought strings with a similar setup. And the way it works is that there is a pin for each string at the bridge. But I'm not sure if my pins are messed up and dont work or not. but I feel like some damage has been done to the inner part of the top. It's sort of a tricky thing to explain so I drew some pictures.

My question is, is this how it's supposed to be?


Because the beads at the end of each string wont stay like that at the end of the pin. It slips and comes down and sits cornered on the wood and pin. And the area I have highlighted as green is an area where if you stick your hand into the chamber and feel, you'll notice it seems as if the wood is damaged.



I'd like to get this "issue" resolved before it's too late, and before I put the new strings on.

I talked to the guy at the guitar store about it and he had no idea what the hell I was talking about. But then he looked like one of those dudes whos into metal and plays electric most of the time.

I think it might also be worth mentioning that my pins have this sort of design where in the middle there is a pathway.

[karcey]

G'day Medic, Welcome to the forum.
Your second diagram is correct. The string ball doesn't get held down by the pin. If this was the case the pin would have to be hammered in super tight. The string with the ball slips through the hole and then the pin is put in lightly after it. The pin effectively blocks the hole so the ball can't come back out. The pressure that the string and ball put on the pin is all sideways, so it doesn't drag the pin out, but when you want to change strings you just relax the string and the pin should come out easily. Never hammer the pins in. It's totally unnecessary.
If you think about this, and still have a problem, then ask again and someone will try to explain it in different words. But sooner or later you'll see that the pressure of the ball is on the underside of the soundboard, not the end of the pin.
Good luck with your playing, and keep in touch.

[Medic1911]

Originally Posted by karcey

G'day Medic, Welcome to the forum.
Your second diagram is correct. The string ball doesn't get held down by the pin. If this was the case the pin would have to be hammered in super tight. The string with the ball slips through the hole and then the pin is put in lightly after it. The pin effectively blocks the hole so the ball can't come back out. The pressure that the string and ball put on the pin is all sideways, so it doesn't drag the pin out, but when you want to change strings you just relax the string and the pin should come out easily. Never hammer the pins in. It's totally unnecessary.
If you think about this, and still have a problem, then ask again and someone will try to explain it in different words. But sooner or later you'll see that the pressure of the ball is on the underside of the soundboard, not the end of the pin.
Good luck with your playing, and keep in touch.

Oh yes, I understand. Thank you.