Bridge Removal
Source: Guitar Bridge Repairs
Reasons for Bridge Removal:
Removal of the guitar bridge is quite often necessary when the following conditions exist.
Loose Bridge
Cracked Bridge
Mispositioned Bridge
Poorly Made Bridge
Bridge is Too Thin
Guitar Top Needs Replacement
Owner Desires Different Bridge
and More….
Tools and Materials Required:
Reworked Spatulas and Putty Knifes
Bevel Edges Putty Knife
Plastic Tipped Hammer
Soldering Iron
Top Protection Template
Neck Support Cradle
How to Remove a Loose Acoustic Guitar Bridge – Method #1:
Removing a loose bridge is very often an easy operation. Gather the proper tools and be sure to put a top protection template in place to protect the fragile guitar top. This can be a thin piece of cardboard with a generous cutout for the bridge area. Secure template with painters tape.
If the bridge has lifted around the perimeter of the bridge you can take the reworked putty knife with the sharp edge and rounded corners and insert it around the bridge perimeter. Start by coming in at the corners of the bridge wings and working across the grain. I usually start at about a 45 degree angle to the top grain direction. (Refer to diagram at the top of this article).
If you notice fibers of top lifting with the bridge, try adjusting your angle with the knife. Any loose fibers should be immediately glued back in place to minimize the possibility of loosing them.
Continue to work your way around the bridge, moving the blade of the putty knife in a bit farther each time you make a trip around the bridge. As you begin to get under the bridge 3/8″ to 1/2″ try to use a slight prying action as well. Be alert for the sound of wood fibers letting loose from the top plate.
How to Remove a Loose Classical Guitar Bridge.
The Classical Guitar Bridge can be removed in a very similar manner to the steps outlined above, with one small difference. Classical Guitar Bridges are almost always glued to the top prior to finishing the guitar, and are coating with finish material at the same time as the top.
Therefore, if the bridge is not loose, you will have to take a very sharp knife a carefully cut the finish at the point where the bridge joins the top. Exercise caution to cut only through the finish and not into the actual top wood as this will compromise the structure of the top.
Ultimate Guitar Repair Tip 1: Remember that the bridge spans the 2 pieces of the guitar top and the tops are usually book-matched. Exercise caution when removing the bridge as the grain will be running in different directions of each half of the top.
How to Remove a Loose Acoustic Guitar Bridge – Method #2:
The second method is used primarily on older guitars or guitars that have dried out glue holding the bridge. Make all the precautionary preparations as in Method #1 above.
Now you should take a conventional Putty Knife with a narrow flexible blade. You should grind a 45 degree angle on the edge of the knife.
Hold the Putty Knife flat against the front edge of the bridge (the saddle side), flex the blade so that it lies flat against the top, with the end flat against the glue seam. Now take the plastic tipped hammer and give a sharp rap to the bridge. Move the knife along the edge progressively and continue to give sharp strokes of the hammer.
If you start to get splintering of the top wood, change over to the sharpened spatula or putty knife and cut the splinters and re-glue them as necessary. Many times with older guitars, just a couple of taps on the putty knife and the bridge will come flying off.
Ultimate Guitar Repair Tip #2: I wouldn’t recommend using the above method #2 on Classical Guitar Bridges, until you have enough experience under your belt. It is very easy to damage either the top or the bridge or both, because the Classical Guitar Bridges are very thin and fragile.
Stubborn Bridge Removal – Method #3:
Occasionally you will come across a bridge that will not come loose despite all your best efforts. The reason for this could be that there was a more permanent glue used to attach the bridge, such a polyurethane or epoxy. Another reason may be the bridge is also mechanically fastened to the guitar top and the bridge plate beneath the top. If it is mechanically fastened, you will have to remove the bolts or screws before you go any further. Refer to our article on doing that.
Some repairmen use a heated soldering iron with a broad tip to heat the bridge and thus the glue holding the bridge. This can work for the epoxy and urethane glues. Gradually work your way round the perimeter of the bridge and work the putty knife into the joint as the wood heats up. Be careful not to apply too much heat as this will discolor the wood.
Tags: guitar bridge repair, guitar repair tools, remove loose guitar bridge, repair guitar, reset guitar bridge
June 28th, 2010 at 3:27 pm
Hi,
The website is brilliant.I am trying to learn how to replace a missing bridge from an old 12 string (Kimbara 72) acoustic guitar but all I have is what may be the footprint of the old bridge and the twelve bridge pin holes and two others which may have been for bolts. What would be the best way to buy a replacement bridge to fit the footprint template? I am in the UK. Once I have this I hope to try to follow the instructions to reglue a bridge.
June 28th, 2010 at 10:23 pm
If you have the footprint, and the bridge pin locations, you are in good shape. I’m sure there are sources for purchasing a 12-string bridge blank such as Stewart McDonald or LMI, but if you have the resources, I would build my own. I actually am planning on an upcoming article on building an acoustic guitar bridge, so if you could wait a up to a week, I will be posting that. I would do it immediately, except I am in the midst of yet another relocation, so I will be unable to access my site information until later in the week. I plan on not only giving instruction on making the bridge, but will provide free pdf plans for them too.
If you fail to see the article, place sent a comment to remind me – lots of things going on right now.
Thanks for the input.
David