Warped flat top tops
Some time ago I found an old Japanese Morris, Martin 000-18 copy, at a flea market ($10). Laminated top, but the building quality seems good. It had a high action due to a warped top and worn frets. The belly was mainly behind the bridge, but also the top in front of the bridge was a little high. This belly was hard. Even high pressure did not flatten it. I considered the JLD Bridge Doctor, but having tried this on a guitar with a similar problem, I thought that the doctor would not be enough. This was done:
• The top behind the bridge was clamped with two clamps and a bar of wood
• The guitar was turned upside down
• A small plastic bag with a wet towel was inserted and placed on the bridge plate. The opening of the bag was to the back of the guitar (now upside).
• The inside of the top became humid. I think that the evaporation from the towel condensed on the outside of the plastic bag. This humidity was enough to moisten the top and the bracing around it.
The result was that within two days the top was absolutely flat. One bracing had come loose in an end, but this was easily glued back with Titebond glue.
Then I installed the Bridge Doctor. I have refretted the guitar, and now it plays and sounds excellently. I am, however, anxious to see if the repair lasts. Does somebody have any experience with a similar repair? I will be back with a report if the top decides to go back to its former state.
• The top behind the bridge was clamped with two clamps and a bar of wood
• The guitar was turned upside down
• A small plastic bag with a wet towel was inserted and placed on the bridge plate. The opening of the bag was to the back of the guitar (now upside).
• The inside of the top became humid. I think that the evaporation from the towel condensed on the outside of the plastic bag. This humidity was enough to moisten the top and the bracing around it.
The result was that within two days the top was absolutely flat. One bracing had come loose in an end, but this was easily glued back with Titebond glue.
Then I installed the Bridge Doctor. I have refretted the guitar, and now it plays and sounds excellently. I am, however, anxious to see if the repair lasts. Does somebody have any experience with a similar repair? I will be back with a report if the top decides to go back to its former state.
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