Duffy - Posted - 08/31/2010:  06:36:53

Hello everyone!
just wondering what the professionals use to pull out bridge pins....is there
"the ultimate bridge pin puller" out there....I really don't want to mark up my bridge!
and yes I have "googled" it....so far just the other end of string winders (don't really want to use those".....there are the Dunlop combo pin puller / beer opener ones....there is what appears to be a more expensive chrome one from a company called GGI....sorry if I'm rehashing an old topic...thanks very much!
Duffy

DaddyJ - Posted - 08/31/2010:  06:42:13

Probably not what you're looking for but just for general info - I use a small pair of pliers with electrical tape wrapped around the ends. They work great and don't mark up the bridge.

bryankimsey - Posted - 08/31/2010:  06:58:25

I use the same pair of small diagonal cutters that I use to clip strings. They don't mark the bridge because I pop the pins loose from the saddle side. It shouldn't take much pressure at all to pop them loose. If you have to pry them all the way up, something's not right- most likely you're using slotted plastic pins in a non-slotted bridge and the ball end of the string is jammed into the bridgeplate.

tomm - Posted - 08/31/2010:  07:55:31

The "pin puller". or "popper" on the end of the peg slot on a string winder.

slowhand - Posted - 08/31/2010:  09:35:19

quote:

---

Originally posted by tomm

The "pin puller". or "popper" on the end of the peg slot on a string winder.

---

banjo_brad - Posted - 08/31/2010:  12:12:38

I don't use string winders, so I'm with DaddyJ and bryankimsey on this one.

The only reason I could see to have a string winder is if I were doing string changes all day long, but since I rarely change strings on any of my instruments, and I always start with them pulled fairly tight (I like as few turns as possible around the posts), I have no need for a winder.

-B-

tomm - Posted - 08/31/2010:  12:59:32

Hey Brad, ironically I don't use the "winder" either. I bought it to pull bridge pins. I'm with you, don't see any need for the winder part, but re string one of my two main guitars at least every couple of weeks. The little 1/2 circle dealy on the end of the winder slides right between the head on the pin and the bridge and the pin just pops out and it's plastic so won't scare up the bridge. The one I have was far cheaper than any cutters or pliers, and "guitar friendly". I have used cutters before though....guess they all work.

banjo_brad - Posted - 08/31/2010:  18:44:33

Since I always have a set of needlenose pliers and sidecutters (can I still call them dikes (for diagonal cutters)?) in my music pack, I'm set.

I carry a "music pack" - soft sided briefcase - because I usually have at least 2 instruments (I play classical guitar, steel-strung acoustic guitar, clawhammer banjo (1 fretted, 1 fretless), uke and fiddle - not all at the same time), so I never really know what instruments I may take at any time. I keep extra strings, the pliers, wrench for the tension hooks on the banjo, tuners, nail file, clippers, capos, mutes, notebook, pencils, a notebook of staff paper (perfect for 5-string tabs), flashlight, digital voice recorder, spare batteries for all electronics, and anything else I think I may need.

-B-

Fred Etheridge - Posted - 09/01/2010:  04:46:25

Stew Mac has an excellent puller for about a buck, a triangle looking thing works well I like to keep them in my cases & on my bench at home

Duffy - Posted - 09/01/2010:  08:15:29

Thanks for all the great suggestions everyone!....I am new here and this was my first post.
I really like the "tool / string / accessory / briefcase " idea...and will check out "Stewmac" ...
I don't use string winders myself... but I know I have one round here somewhere...if all fails
I know I have some pliers....now if I can only find the electrical tape!!
thanks again!
Duffy

wheelchair_picker - Posted - 09/03/2010:  12:29:13

quote:

---

Originally posted by bryankimsey

I use the same pair of small diagonal cutters that I use to clip strings. They don't mark the bridge because I pop the pins loose from the saddle side. It shouldn't take much pressure at all to pop them loose. If you have to pry them all the way up, something's not right- most likely you're using slotted plastic pins in a non-slotted bridge and the ball end of the string is jammed into the bridgeplate.

---