Top Brace Repair - Best Method

[Ray Kallas]

Hi All,

I have a Suzuki No. 12 guitar, probably from the sixties. The top braces at the saddle have separated from the top and the saddle is now dipping forward where the top has collapsed in front of the saddle.

I think that I have enough room to get in, humidify the top, and re glue the braces, but I'm not sure if this is the best method, or removing the top would be a better approach. The 2 braces are on ether side of the saddle and run towards the bottom of the guitar. They're separated about 1/2 inch away from the top.

I'm attaching a photo and a couple of diagrams to illustrate the issue.  Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Ray

[Pierre-Antoine Roiron]

If I could build tools and reach enough of the loose braces, I would reglue it without removing the top.

[William F.Eden]

I would remove the back and change the braces to x braceing and a bridge plate & put a pin bridge on insted of that pull threw bridge.You will have a much better chance of flating the top with the back off as well .And it will sound a lot better.Bill............

[Ray Kallas]

Thanks guys!  I like the idea of removing the back.  That sounds like it would be the best way to approach it.

Ray

[Frank Ford]

I dunno. Removing the back and rebracing is a LOT of work for a very modest nylon string guitar.  Seems to me I'd reglue the braces by working through the top, using long handled palette knife to get the glue under them and long skinny clamps - you know, the kind LMI and StewMac sell.  I'm guessing the act of regluing the braces would flatten things considerably.

That said, if you want a bigger project and a learning experience, then by all means removing the back and doing the appropriate repair could be fun and instructive, for sure.   I would hesitate to use X-bracing on a nylon string instrument, unless it was very light bracing indeed.

[William F.Eden]

Were I have the problem is they won't use nylon strings on it .If they had i don't think it would be in the shape it's in now.just my take on it Bill.............