Bridge Repair

[Tom Franceschi]

I have a Carvin acoustic guitar that needs a regluing of the bridge. The brige has started to lift a little in the back all the way across. It's a nice clean lift as there are no cracks or anything like that going on. To my untrained eye it appears that not enough glue was used. I was hoping I could repair this myself and if all I need to do is add some glue back there and clamp it down then Im sure I could but Im willing to bet that the whole bridge will need to come off and then be reglued. Am I right about that or can I just glue it down in the back and clamp it? Im also curious as to what the cost would be. I don't mind paying for it but Im out in Tracy and there seems to be no one locally out there. Does anyone know of anyone out in this area? Thanks so much.

Tom

[Jim Bancroft]

I've added glue to slightly lifting bridges on an occasional old Martin, glued with hot hide glue, and they have held up fine.
But I've tried it on newer instruments, glued with titebond, and most eventually failed again.
On this instrument I would probably remove it and reglue.

Estimated cost to remove and reglue a bridge, $50.00 to $70.00.

Jim

[Ron Frazier]

some cheeper guitars need the bridge removed and all glkue and finish on the top removed down to the bare wood. WWhat happenes is the glue wont stick to the finish top so it lets go
I have on cheep guitars clamped the bridge down and wicked thin super glue but you have to be very careful!

Ron

[Tom Franceschi]

Ive decided that Im not going to do it myself because Ive heard more then one person say what you just said. Its not a Martin or Taylor or any other high end name, its a Carvin but I really like it. I just need to find someone not two hours away.

[Tom Franceschi]

Thanks. Would you know of anyone in the Tracy area? Thanks.

Tom

[Ned Knepp]

Maybe I missed something here, Tom, but where is "Tracy"?

Ned

[Tom Franceschi]

Its about 16 miles past Livermore heading to Stockton. More or less the start of the valley. I did contact Carvin though and it's still under warranty. I will just have to pay shipping charges. Probably the best way to go.

Tom

[David Houchens]

I live in Red Hill. How close are you to me?

[Bob Webster]

David, is that the Red Hill that up out of Angel's Camp? There are about 8 different Red Hills in Northern California.

Bob

P.S. If so, you ought to get together with Jerry Mercer (in this forum), who's up the road in Arnold. Great guy who builds classicals.

[Tom Franceschi]

Im not sure where Red Hill is. Is that by Stockton?

Tom

[David Houchens]

I guess I missed the part where anybody said California. My Red Hill is in Virginia. I guess its too far.