Groove in the bridge? Or the pin?

[Doug Shaker]

When making a steel string bridge, one has a choice of making a groove for the string either in the bridge or in the bridge pin.

What is your preference? And your rationale for why that way is superior to the other?

Just asking...

[Alan Carruth]

I like to slot the bridge: it seems a bit less likely to pull out the pins, for one thing. On some groups you'll find that this is a religious issue...

Alan Carruth / Luthier

[Mark Swanson]

Slot the bridge. the pin is only there to hold the string in its slot. When it's done right you should be able to remove the pin and the string will stay put. It's all about a good tight fit with no material removed that you don't have to remove, nice and tight pins and snug slot. Make sure the ball of the string is resting right against the bridge plate.

[Clay Schaeffer]

I think with the slots in the bridge there is less tendency for the strings to jam the bridge pin in the bridge. They may also help to align the strings over the saddle (not a major problem either way).

[Michael Lewis]

I like the groove in the pin for steel strings, in the bridge for gut or nylon strings. Just personal preference, and it works well enough either way.

[Dave Anderson]

I like to slot the bridge,not the pins.Like Mark said,If you get the slot just right,the strings will stay put without
the bridge pins but you do want to use the pins anyway.<g>

[Tom West]

Another Mario trick .................slot the bridge so that pins can be pulled under full string tension. That means pins are just filling the hole. String balls are pulling fully on the bridge plate. Less damage around hole.
Tom