Looking for the best bridge pins for an acoustic guitar?
Perfect, you're in the right place!
In this insider's guide, you'll learn:
- What are bridge pins?
- What are the different kinds of bridge pins for acoustic guitars?
- What to look for in the best acoustic guitar bridge pins?
- And much more!
Below is a quick list of all my top products. Keep scrolling to learn more about how to choose and use the best bridge pins for an acoustic guitar.
| Image | Product | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
My Top Pick  | My Top Pick | Martin Acoustic Guitar Bridge/End Pin Set Ebony
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| View on Amazon |
Best High-End  | Best High-End | GraphTech PP-1122-00 TUSQ Acoustic Guitar Bridge Pins
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| View on Amazon |
Best Budget  | Best Budget | Planet Waves Boxwood Bridge Pins with End Pin Set
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| View on Amazon |
 | Crosby Audio Pure Bone Bridge Pins for Six String Acoustic Guitar
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| View on Amazon | |
 | D'Andrea Tone Pins Brass Bridge Pin Set, White Dot
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| View on Amazon |
My Overall #1 Rated Pick
Updated 3/27/2020
Out of the five end pin sets I looked at, I really liked the Martin Acoustic Guitar Bridge/End Pin Set in Ebony, with Paua Pearl Inlays.
Why?
Because as a blues style player, I really value the warmth that I get from ebony guitar pins, and this Martin set has everything I’m looking for when it comes to getting my sound just so.
They aren’t just for blues players, though. You can improve the depth of your bass notes with ebony end pins like these, and that’s great news for guitarists looking to bring new life to a cheaper guitar.
Keep reading to learn about my other picks and what you need to know about bridge pins and acoustic guitars.
Top 5 Best Bridge Pins For An Acoustic Guitar
In a hurry? Check out my top 5 picks below! Keep reading to learn more about these best bridge pins for your acoustic guitar.
What Is A Bridge Pin On An Acoustic Guitar?
In the simplest possible terms, a bridge pin on an acoustic guitar is a peg that keeps your guitar strings in place when put under tension.
Not only do bridge pins keep your strings firmly aligned and seated in your acoustic guitar, but they carry the vibrations of the strings over the bridge saddle, and into the instrument itself.
If you’re looking to make a difference to the sound of your guitar, an upgraded bridge pin set is an easy way to do it.
Read Also: What are the best strings for your acoustic guitar?
What Are The Different Types of Bridge Pins For Acoustic Guitars (Are They All The Same)?
Ebony Bridge Pins
Ebony bridge pins are a natural product made from ebony wood. This deep brown/black wood looks incredible with an abalone dot inlay.
Ebony pins are prized for the warmth and low-end power that they bring to acoustic guitars. Because of the boost at the low end, ebony pins can help to increase your guitar’s volume, too.
Bone Bridge Pins
Modern bone bridge pins are most often made from cow bones, although this can vary. If you’re looking to increase the clarity of your acoustic guitar, then bone pins could be a great choice for you.
In addition to clarity, bone bridge pins also significantly increase the treble and sustain of an acoustic guitar, too.
Tusq Bridge Pins
Tusq is a synthetic polymer material made by GraphTech. Tusq bridge pins offer an ethical alternative to those who don’t want to use animal products.
Their effect on the sound of an acoustic guitar is still an improvement over stock pegs. Like bone pegs, they improve clarity, treble and sustain.
Ivory Bridge Pins
Ivory bridge pins are a rare find these days, and most would agree that they’re not the most ethical product on the market. Ivory pins are made from the tusks of a walrus or elephant.
Of all the pin materials, walrus ivory pins provide the biggest difference to volume, sustain, and clarity.
Boxwood Bridge Pins
If you’re looking for warmth and strong bass in your sound, consider boxwood bridge pins. They offer similar acoustic benefits to ebony, but they are cheaper and have an attractive light finish.
Brass Bridge Pins
Brass bridge pins bring out a brilliant tone in acoustic guitars and can provide incredible sustain.
If you find that your guitar is a little dark sounding, a brass bridge pin set could do wonders for brightening it up.
Plastic Bridge Pins
Plastic bridge pins are found in the stock setup of most acoustic guitars. They don’t bring much to the table when it comes to sound improvement or changing dynamics. In their defense, they are cheap and readily available.
How Much Do Bridge Pins Cost?
Bridge pins are mostly pretty inexpensive, but anything made with exotic materials is going to be more pricey.
Basic plastic pins can be had for around $3 to $5, whereas bridge pins made with exotic materials like ivory or even titanium can cost over $100.
Like everything when it comes to guitar parts, you don’t have to spend a lot to get a great product, but you’re certainly not going to get the best out of your instrument with the cheapest gear.
What To Look For In The Best Bridge Pins?
First, make sure that you get a proper fit. Bridge pins come in different sizes and tapers, so be sure that your upgraded pegs will fit your guitar.
Next, you want to make sure that your bridge pins are properly finished. Low-end pins may have burrs and rough edges, which, over time can damage your guitar’s bridge plate or saddle.
Lastly, overall appearance. While it doesn’t contribute to their sound, the best bridge pins should look good on your guitar. Some prefer the classic black dot, while others prefer an abalone inlay or even a plain finish.
My Reviews Of The Best Bridge Pins For Acoustic Guitars
Pros
- Adds texture to undertones
- Improves volume
- Great value for money
Cons
- Can wear out quicker than other materials
- Won’t fit all guitars
GraphTech PP-1122-00 TUSQ Acoustic Guitar Bridge Pins
GraphTech TUSQ bridge pins offer a more subtle sound upgrade than bone, but it’s still noticeable. You’ll get a clearer sound, with better volume and intonation than your stock pins can offer.
Pros
- Environmentally friendly
- Consistent quality
Cons
- Less noticeable change to the sound
- Expensive
Planet Waves Boxwood Bridge Pins with End Pin Set
I'm actually a big fan of the simple no dot, no abalone inlay design. Also, they come with a spare peg, which is a bonus in my book.
Pros
- Sleek design
- Improved warmth
- Spare pin included
Cons
- Plain design won't appeal to all
- May need string ramps for proper fit
Crosby Audio Pure Bone Bridge Pins with Abalone DotInlay for Six String Acoustic Guitar
Crosby Audi bone bridge pins can add great volume, sustain, and clarity to your guitar.
Bone pins like these aren't affected by temperature and moisture, so they won't expand and get stuck, or damage your guitar.
Bear in mind with natural products like bone, there will be variations in structure that can affect the pin's properties between batches.
Pros
- Excellent price
- Temperature and moisture resistant
Cons
- Inconsistent production
- Not appropriate for vegan guitarists
On top of the great sound and long life, they have a pretty unique look that a lot of players like. This particular set is finished with a white dot, which isn't something you see every day.
Pros
- Last forever
- Brings out a bright tone
- Great sustain
Cons
- Can damage strings if incorrectly installed
- Narrow gauge means they may slip in some guitars
My Top Pick: Martin Ebony End Pin Set
I can't say enough good things about the Martin Ebony end pin set. Since swapping out my stock set for these pins my guitar has gained a beautiful woody tone, and the improvement in depth is insane!
I also love how they look! The paua pearly inlays have a beautiful luster, and really stand out against the dark wood.
Again, these are a natural product, so the exact appearance may vary a little, but I think that's part of what makes them so special.
Final Thoughts On The Best End Pins For Acoustic Guitars
Making a change to your guitar's end pins is a simple thing to do, but it can add so much to your sound.
It doesn't matter what style you play, there's a guitar bridge pin to compliment it. If you're still playing with stock pegs, I urge you to try out something different - I promise the difference will be night and day!
