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Hi folks, I have a Fender acoustic bass with a pinless bridge. When I got it the bridge was cracked down where the ball end lives. I assume the prior owner was putting strings with larger ball ends and cracked the bridge. My question is, can I replace that bridge with a traditional pin style bridge? I assume I would have to add a bridge plate, but I wonder if there are any other considerations I should be aware of? As always, thank you for your responses.

If you want to go that route, I think the main concern would be maintaining the structural integrity of the braced top. So make sure that none of the new bridge pin holes intersect a top brace. And you are correct that a bridge plate will be necessary. I like to use hard maple but rosewood is acceptable too.

I suggest OP put an inspection mirror in the soundhole and see if there's already a bridge plate present. I think they're used to stiffen the bridge/top/bridgeplate lamination and only incidentally used to retain string ball ends.

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Peter Havriluk

Nathan,
I've built two ABGs, one with with a pinless bridge that had a substantial bridge plate per the Mark Stanley plans. The other that still needs finishing will have a Martin pinned bridge ( I got a Martin 2nd fretboard/neck and bridge somewhere). Both have Maple bridge plates. I think it's most important to have the wings of the bridge over the x-braces.