LG-0 Bridge . . .. again

[Per Johansson]

Hi, this is my first post.

I have been asked to replace the plastic bridge on a 60:s Gibson LG0 with a real one. I've read the earlier posts about this on the forum, but - if the spruce bridgeplate is damaged, which seems to be a standard issue and it needs to be replaced, I wonder what method to use to remove the old one. Obviously I don't want to remove the back of the guitar and it doesn't seem that easy to apply heat? Any tips?

I haven't recieved the guitar yet so I haven't examined it.

Per Johansson

[Hesh Breakstone]

Here's a link to my site where I did a write-up on an LG-O, one of a number of them now... that I replaced the bridge on.

LG-1 Bridge Replacement

As for the plate a pic would be helpful in determining if the plate needs to actually be replaced or if a nice, little bridge plate cap would do the trick.  BTW many cell phones, certainly the IPhone can take excellent pics inside a guitar.  The cap is much easier and basically consists of a piece of wood slightly longer than the pin spacing and approx. 1/2 inch wide and of course with bevelled edges and an approx. thickness of .060 - .080".  Maple makes excellent caps.

I just checked for a pic of a cap but can't find one at the moment for you.  Anyway if the damage to the plate is enlarged pin holes, some tear-out between the holes, and not a split or loose plate the cap is an appropriate fix for an LGOish guitar and much less work and risk than replacing the plate.

Once the cap is glued in place over/under the pin holes it's advisable to make a sacrificial caul to clamp under the cap when you drill your new pin holes.

A damaged bridge plate does not automatically mean the plate needs to be replaced.  It depends on the specific sort of damage, the degree of damage, and what's appropriate for the instrument in question too.  Then there is the budget as well AND the risk of removing a bridge plate when one may not be tooled-up to do so reliably.

Hope something here helps Per.

[Per Johansson]

Thanks Hesh!
Well, the bridge plate might just be in a perfect state. Or else a cap as you suggested.
I will know when the guitar arrives. I was worrying about problems that might not exist, remembering some horrifying pictures I found on the net.

If there is problems I don't know how to fix I'll post some pictures the next time.

Thanks again!

P J