Acoustic Bridge Out!!

If you have a string instrument of any kind that needs fixing, a mistake you made in building a new instrument that you need to "disappear," or a question about the ethics of altering an older instrument, ask here. Please note that it will be much easier for us to help you decide on the best repair method if you post some pictures of the problem.
Gordon Bellerose
Posts: 1186
Joined: Wed May 30, 2012 11:47 pm
Location: Edmonton AB. Canada

Re: Acoustic Bridge Out!!

Post by Gordon Bellerose »

Clay Schaeffer wrote:"Firstly, he told me that he wouldn't do this repair on a cheap guitar. He would advise simply spending the money on a new one."

That is something to always keep in mind, and a reason to do the repair in an expedient but effective manner.
Yes. If I was asked to do this for a customer, I may have told them the same.
As it was done for a friend, the charges are minimal.
I need your help. I can't possibly make all the mistakes myself!
Gordon Bellerose
Posts: 1186
Joined: Wed May 30, 2012 11:47 pm
Location: Edmonton AB. Canada

Re: Acoustic Bridge Out!!

Post by Gordon Bellerose »

I now have the new bridge installed, and the guitar is back in the customers hands.
It worked out pretty well. The guitar plays really nicely, and sounds a whole bunch better than before.
I was very careful in fitting the new bridge into the rout, and it went on without a hitch.
I used hide glue.
I need your help. I can't possibly make all the mistakes myself!
Clay Schaeffer
Posts: 1674
Joined: Fri Jan 06, 2012 12:04 pm

Re: Acoustic Bridge Out!!

Post by Clay Schaeffer »

Another fine job well done! I'm sure your friend is happy to have her guitar back in good playing condition. One of the nice things about being amateur luthiers and repairman is that we don't always have to consider the dollars and "sense" when making repairs. While a Pro has to justify the cost of the job, as amateurs we can take as much time as necessary and not count the cost.
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Jim McConkey
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Joined: Thu Jan 05, 2012 4:00 pm
Location: Way north of Baltimore, MD

Re: Acoustic Bridge Out!!

Post by Jim McConkey »

What Clay said! I have done several of these "uneconomical" repairs, and even though the pay is minimal to nonexistent, the experience is priceless. Amateurs just get different things out of of jobs than the pros, but everyone benefits in the end.
MIMForum Staff - Way North of Baltimore
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Ryan Mazzocco
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Joined: Sat Feb 04, 2012 6:01 pm
Location: Joplin, MO
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Re: Acoustic Bridge Out!!

Post by Ryan Mazzocco »

Sometimes (most of the time for me) these repairs on less expensive instruments can be even more challenging because you never really know what methods, materials or glues were used until you start tearing into it. Leads to many surprises and then some clever thinking to get around it.
I practiced neck resets on cheap imports and found some very interesting and difficult neck joints. Then the first time I tried removing the neck off a higher quality instrument it came right off as easy as it could be.
Gordon Bellerose
Posts: 1186
Joined: Wed May 30, 2012 11:47 pm
Location: Edmonton AB. Canada

Re: Acoustic Bridge Out!!

Post by Gordon Bellerose »

Every time I do a repair I learn something.
This time I learned that next time, I may rout the old bridge off, if it gives me as much difficulty as this one.
I also learned that the definition of "Fine Tonewoods" is very liberal. This Washburn had a label in the interior that had those words on it.
I also learned what kind of under-saddle pickup strip to avoid. The strip was way too thick.
I need your help. I can't possibly make all the mistakes myself!
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Bryan Bear
Posts: 1375
Joined: Fri Jan 06, 2012 1:05 pm
Location: St. Louis, MO

Re: Acoustic Bridge Out!!

Post by Bryan Bear »

Gordon Bellerose wrote:Every time I do a repair I learn something.
This time I learned that next time, I may rout the old bridge off, if it gives me as much difficulty as this one.
I also learned that the definition of "Fine Tonewoods" is very liberal. This Washburn had a label in the interior that had those words on it.
I also learned what kind of under-saddle pickup strip to avoid. The strip was way too thick.
Ha! I think the working definition of "fine" has evolved in recent time. a few decades ago, "fine" was a superlative meant to convey something was of the highest quality or done to the highest degree. More and more, people are using it to mean passable. How was school? It was fine. . . If Ward Cleaver's boss told him he was doing a fine job, he'd be feeling pretty good; If my boss tells me I'm doing a fine job, I might want to start dusting off the resume because I expect the next word to be "but".
PMoMC

Take care of your feet and your feet will take care of you.
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