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How important is it to fix a lifting bridge? I have an old J-45 where the bridge is just beginning to lift. The owner doesn't want to spend a dime more than necessary to make it playable, which has been done. I want to know if leaving the lifting bridge is putting the instrument at risk.
Thanks

Whatever caused the bridge to lift will only get worse until repaired, not to mention that the tone has to suffer, since the bridge is not in complete contact with the top.



I would say that it is absolutely necessary to re-glue the bridge.
just my opinion,
best regards,
jack

This may be one of the hollow plastic bridges that is held on by screws. If so, then replace it with ebony and you will have a better sounding guitar.

If this is a wood bridge, then detune it until it can be properly reglued as leaving it as is will allow additional damage to occur.

It is not worth chancing the extra damage to the top and or bridge plate this can cause, and if it is a Gibson with the screw adjustable saddle it will sound much better with a new non adjustable bridge/saddle setup and the adjusting nuts removed from the top and the holes plugged with spruce.
A guitar with the value of a gibson or martin deserves repair.

Fred

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Sorta my thoughts too. I want her to get it fixed, she doesn't want to pay for it, I don't want to do it for free.
But I know myself. I'll fix it for free 'cause thats what the guitar needs. Sucker...