GRAPHTECH PP-1122-00 TUSQ BRIDGE PINS - MARTIN 2MM - WHITE/BLACK DOT -6 PCES, 0.75 in*5.31 in*5.0 in

The quality of these pins isnt great. Lots of inconsistencies. At first they looked like cheap copies but maybe this is what you get.. There is lots of moulding spillage at the seams, and a little hole midway down on each pin. Not the quality of product I was expecting from a rated Graphtec Brand. Two of the black dot fillings are not circular in shape, some of the white has blended into it. 2 stars because I can not be sure these are original pins.

Many acoustic players go for Tusq bridge pins, saddles and nuts in search of improved tone for their instruments. Some believe that brass bridge or ebony pins are best. As for their ACTUAL effectiveness and influence - that's still an open question and is probably best left to the subjective opinion of individuals. Maybe one day someone will publish proof by way of scientific measurements of a guitar's sound when fitted with bridge pins made with different materials.There are many associated items available, often for specific types or makes of guitar. These are just a few listed by Amazon ... Graphtech PP3000 Tusq Black Bridge Pin Set (6pcs) PP-3000-00 Graphtech Tusq Martin 2mm Acoustic Bridge Pins (Black - White Dot) Set of 6 Graphtech Taylor Tusq Acoustic Saddle Compensated 1/8 inch Graph Tech TUSQ Acoustic Guitar Saddle - Compensated Martin 3/32" Regular(Ivory) Graph Tech TUSQ Martin Acoustic Guitar Slotted Nut Graphtech Taylor Tusq Acoustic Saddle Compensated 1/8 inch What I can say for certain is that these Tusq pins are very well made and are instrinsically stronger than their plastic counterparts. They are therefore less likely to get chewed-up when restringing your instrument. They look good and work well.As for their effect ... I'm of the opinion that a Tusq bridge has more effect by producing a slightly brighter and clear tone. I think the pins have made a small difference, but I may be imagining it. But that isn't why I bought them. I wanted to avoid those chewed up ends which plastic is so prone to if you don't restring with absolute attention to the prescribed method.So as regards appearance, quality and strength, this product deserves a full 5 stars.

The bridge pins were delivered very quickly. When installed they sat up too high on the bridge so I had to carefully file the taper diameter to get them to fit properly. It might have been my fault as I may have ordered the wrong size. I fitted them with a new saddle and there was a definite improvement to the sustain and tone of my epiphone SQ 180.

On a Gibson J165 rosewood these did improve tone and look better than stock. The guitar has Tusq nut and bridge.