Torn Wood Grain Under Bridge

by Doug Miller

Jan 13, 2011

The Bridge has lifted from my 2006 G3 acoustic 6 string. It is not a pegged bridge but rather a string through style bridge.

When the bridge lifted, it removed some wood fiber from the spruce top...the grain in the top seems to be running out towards the rear which could be part of the reason it lifted in the beginning.

This guitar is from a highly regarded luthier, but since I am second owner so he is unwilling to do the repair on warranty.

A local repairman/luthier would not repair it saying he thinks it should have a pegged bridge and with the torn wood grain it could never be strong enough in his opinion.

So I am left wondering what  to do and in particular...what, if anything, can be done to fill the lost wood fibre from the top?

Any comments from you luthiers and repair persons would be greatly appreciated.

Doug

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    Gary Fried

    I would begin by gluing those loose fibers back into place. I would then add some fibers to the remaining voids. After that I would level the area and bottom of the bridge and re-glue. I am not a fan of those types of bridges but a good repair should allow the original to be re-fitted and not come loose.

    Jan 13, 2011

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      Jim Bancroft

      I think I would use superglue to glue the pieces back down, then use wood dust and superglue to fill in any minor voids. Then totally level and flatten the gluing surface, and get as perfect a gluing joint as possible. Next, glue the bridge back on with hot hide glue.

      Jim
      6

      Jan 13, 2011

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        thefishinmusician

        I wonder if the builder finished the guitar and then scored and scraped the finish off to glue it. And scored it too deep..I've seen this on a lot of production guitars and have wondered if this may be the case a lot of the time....I've done a lot of Guilds that seem to have this happen....The clean break on the front of the bridge has always made me go Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm,........
        10

        Jan 14, 2011

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