JLD Bridge Doctor

[Bob Steinarsson]

Hello!
I installed a Bridge Doctor in a flattop some days ago in order to flatten the belly behind the bridge. It helped, but not as much as I hoped for. As I don't know how much the GD and the guitar can take, I'm afraid to tighten the rod more than I have already done. Does anyone know what happens if the rod gets tightened too much? Loose bracings? The guitar has a laminated top.

Bob

[Greg Mirken]

I suspect the Bridge Doctor would give up before the guitar. But don't take a chance- tighten it in 6 months after the top has a chance to adjust.

[Dave Yelverton]

Provided the belly isn't delaminating and there are no problems with bracing or bridge patch, I usually proceed as follows:
Take the strings off and leave off. Tighten the BD until it starts to remove some of the bellying. Leave for a couple of days in a warm place with 40-50% humidity. Extremes of heat or cold don't help the process. Continue to tighten every couple of days until you feel you have reached your objective. If you're worried about over-tightening, back off to get the feel of the pressure being applied. If things are working, it shouldn't spring back to it's previous position but have slightly reduced bellying. If that hasn't happened then take it back up to where it was and leave a little longer. I usually find the process takes 2-5 weeks, using gentle adjustments. It is possible to bring the belly dead flat at one go, but I feel that puts excessive strain on the bracing. Gentle increments seem to put less strain on and allow the bracing to adjust to the new position.
When the belly is adjusted to the required position and the spring back is minimal, I re-string and then bring the BD back up to pressure, listening to the tone produced. Too tight = a tight tone so you'll need to play about until satisfied.

Oh, I'd better put in my usual disclaimer; this is a good inexpensive fix for inexpensive guitars (and good quality guitars, but I didn't say that!)
Regards
Dave

[Bob Steinarsson]

Thanks. I will tell the owner of the guitar as soon as possible.
BS

[Paul Storrie]

Just to let forum members know that we have started stocking the JLD Bridge Doctor in the UK (both the Screw Mount and Brass Pin Mount versions) and you can find both on our eBay shop at: http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Better-Than-New-Drums/Accessories-/_i.html...

We are also in the process of developing some bespoke strings to use in conjunction with the Brass Pin version of the product.

 

Paul Storrie

Better Than New Musical Instrument Company Ltd.

020 8252 1034 ext 201