Broken GF-50 Acoustic End Pin

[Stagefright]

It's time to remove the remaining pieces of the original end pin. The pin broke flush to the surface of the guitar not long after I purchased it. Any tricks out there for removing the part left in the guitar? Thanks

 

[HeyMikey]

Pictures would help. Without seeing what you are dealing with maybe you can unstringing it, reach inside and try to push it out.

Edit: Maybe a small pliers from the inside, twisting back and forth while pushing.

 

[Neal]

I would drill a small hole in the center of the pin, screw a small screw into it, and remove the remaining pin by grabbing the screw with a set of vice grips or pliers.

 

[geoguy]

I'll bet it is in there pretty tight, if the outside portion broke off.

I would be tempted to drill a hole through the center of the broken end pin, and try to tap out the broken piece gently from inside the guitar.

Perhaps a wooden dowel could be fitted over the end of the broken end pin inside the tail block. The dowel would need to be long enough so you could tap the dowel's opposite end from the sound hole.

 

[dreadnut]

Yeah, what Neal said.unless it's glued in, then you have another issue.

 

[Stagefright]

I'll try the screw and vice grip route. I hope there is no glue involved.

 

[Stagefright]

The screw and vice grip recommendation worked well and the broken pin is out! Thanks LTG!!

As is typical with most things these days, the installation of the new pin looks like it's going to be a fight. How rough can you be with the end pin before risking damage to the tail block? The pin is snug and still has another 1/8 to go. Is it hammer time?

I thought about tossing the end pin in the freezer and trying again later. All advice is appreciated.

(I can't describe how anxious I felt drilling into a guitar. I think I have a phobia)

 

[geoguy]

Congrats on the successful extraction!

Sandpaper is your friend in this case. You need to reduce the pin's diameter so that it will fit into place without unusual force.

Or you could ream the tapered hole to a larger diameter. But reducing the pin's diameter would be simpler & safer, imo.