Advice requested - loose bridge pin

Kalimna

Greetings folks,
Ive been trying to replace a snapped octave G string on my Brook, but it seems the bridge pin is now far too loose. There feels like no friction holding the pin in place at all, whether string present or not (pins have a string slot).
Any suggestions for a quick fix? Rough up the pin shank with coarse abrasive? New pin?
Obviously it's still quite playable with 11 strings working, , but Id like the full 12.

Any help appreciated,
Adam

Soupman

I had a similar problem with a slightly loose end pin. The local shop suggested a turn or two of electricians tape. It worked fine as a temporary measure.

Kalimna

Ahh, thats a good idea. I'll try that. Cheers.

Devil#20

I'm not sure bridge pins are all the same size. Are they or do they all have the same taper? I'm sure I remember trying to change some bridge pins and they had no purchase at all. 

Kalimna

Yeah, the taper can be a problem as they arent all the same.
The odd thing is that this bridge pin has been in the bridge since I collected the guitar a couola years ago.

ICBM

The string should hold it in place once the tension is on it unless it’s really far too small, in which case it probably needs replacing.

I would not use electrician’s tape - it will leave a sticky mess in the hole which will be very difficult to clean out. If you must use tape, paper masking tape is much better.

Devil#20

ICBM said:

The string should hold it in place once the tension is on it unless it’s really far too small, in which case it probably needs replacing.

I would not use electrician’s tape - it will leave a sticky mess in the hole which will be very difficult to clean out. If you must use tape, paper masking tape is much better.

PTFE tape is probably best. 

BillDL

I have successfully used a very thin smear of 2-part quick-curing epoxy glue (Araldite) on very loose bridge pins.  It dries almost rock hard, as long as you mixed it 50/50 and properly and allowed it to cure thoroughly, and won't stay sticky and adhere to the inside of the hole.

[EDIT] For clarification in case some nugget glues the bridge pin into the hole. I am referring to smearing glue on the pin after removing it, allowing the glue to cure, and then pushing it in again.  The idea is that the tiny bit of extra girth created by the glue will make it fit more tightly in the hole.

wrinkleygit

I would email Andy and Simon at Brook for their advice first.

Tannin

I would wrap it in a scrap of paper.

Soupman

On balance, I would send for some new ones (in different tapers if unsure).