1986 X-500 bridge-is it pinned?

[zulu]

Soon I'll need some new strings on the x500. I don't want the bridge moving one bit. The intonation is perfect, at least to my ear. I'd hate to have anything change, but I would like to take all the strings off to clean the fretboard. Thanks!

 

[AcornHouse]

Mine wasn’t.

 

[ClaytonS15]

I agree with Acorn. My ex-X-175 and my X-500 are unpinned.

Here’s what I do on archtops:
1. Change only one string at a time
2. Change 3 strings at a time if you want to clean the fingerboard.
3. Otherwise, mark the bridge position with painter’s blue tape.

With different gauge or brand of strings, you might find that you will need to adjust the intonation a bit.

 

[AcornHouse]

I agree with Acorn. My ex-X-175 and my X-500 are unpinned.

Here’s what I do on archtops:
1. Change only one string at a time
2. Change 3 strings at a time if you want to clean the fingerboard.
3. Otherwise, mark the bridge position with painter’s blue tape.

With different gauge or brand of strings, you might find that you will need to adjust the intonation a bit.

And do not leave the blue tape on too long. It can affect the finish if left on too long.

 

[Brad Little]

Pinned? Only if a prior owner had it done. I use painters tape on my X170 and AA if I take off all the strings.

 

[shihan]

It’s not. And it’s an ‘84. Those are DeAdarrio chrome flat wounds 11’s, on there now, if you like them.
Use some low tack tape and mark where the bridge goes, like others have said. Not a big deal.
the trick part is dealing with the harp tailpiece when changing strings! Good luck

 

[zulu]

Thank you kindly. I had an old Starfire 2 at one point and I didn't have a problem. Just paranoid because the current setup is so wonderful.

 

[Default]

You could try archival photo squares or violin rosin to keep the bridge tacked down.

 

[bobouz]

Quite often there’ll be an indentation or mark left by the bridge, and that’s enough to get close before dialing it in via fine tuning the placement of the base. I absolutely love it when the bridge can be moved in all directions in order to obtain a placement that best suits my personal preferences. Pin a bridge down? Never!

 

[rcboals]

My 77 was not pinned. I pinned it 15 or 20 years ago. Gotoh 103B Gold Nashville bridge added a Guild Gold Bigsby. I would do it it again in a heart beat. I have rode her hard rockabilly and put her away wet many times. More about my baby and a near tragedy. http://www.letstalkguild.com/ltg/in...k-to-my-stomach-77-guild-x500-wrecked.209777/