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Bridge Repair Opinions/Suggestions
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Author:  utarazo [ Mon Feb 25, 2013 11:49 am ]
Post subject:  Bridge Repair Opinions/Suggestions

Here is a potential repair that i will be taking on. This is a late 1960's Gibson J-50. it was stored in a closet for decades until it was finally discovered, so obviously it was prone to poor Humidity and maintenance. The bridge has cracked and lifted. So i am asking you fellow luthiers, what would be the best course of action for this? Remove and replace it with a new one? Remove and restore the same bridge? any other opinions?

Also what would you charge to do a job like this?

thanks in advance

Jonathan

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Author:  Chris Pile [ Mon Feb 25, 2013 12:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bridge Repair Opinions/Suggestions

I'd check the guitar over for any other problems, and after removing the bridge I'd replace it with a new one.

Author:  Daniel Minard [ Mon Feb 25, 2013 12:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bridge Repair Opinions/Suggestions

Yup, What Chris said. It doesn't look like you'll have any difficulty removing the old bridge!
The "blue book" price for a factory made bridge replacement is $100.00 plus the price of new bridge & saddle. If you need to custom make the bridge, They quote $250.00 +.
I found the "Guitar Repair blue book" at www.guitarshop.com/blu.html It's a useful starting point for estimating common repair jobs.

Author:  Tom West [ Mon Feb 25, 2013 1:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bridge Repair Opinions/Suggestions

Make a new one and dump the adjustable saddle(looks adjustable to me) unless the customer wants to keep it.
Tom

Author:  John Arnold [ Mon Feb 25, 2013 2:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bridge Repair Opinions/Suggestions

Quote:
the value of these plywood side/solid back and top instruments is not all that great.

All mahogany Gibsons in the 1950's and 1960's had laminated sides. Many of the early-1950's J-bodies sell for $5K and more.
I am not saying this particular guitar is worth a lot, but the laminated sides have no apparent effect on the value.
Quote:
Get measurements, a decent piece of EIR close in color, and go for it. Take the saddle out, then rout off the old bridge and use De-Glue-Goo to get the veneer left to release. Alternative is to heat the entire bridge and soften the glue that way...

Or you could just run a spatula under it and pop it off. It's already loose.
If you are keeping the adjustable saddle, just glue the bridge back together with CA or epoxy.
If the bridge is distorted, it can be straightened by heating it with a heat gun and clamping it flat.
Then reinstall it with Titebond or hot hide glue.
Quote:
The "blue book" price for a factory made bridge replacement is $100.00 plus the price of new bridge & saddle. If you need to custom make the bridge, They quote $250.00 +.

My prices are much less.
Repairing the bridge as I outlined should be less than $50.

Author:  jfmckenna [ Mon Feb 25, 2013 2:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bridge Repair Opinions/Suggestions

You could probably just whack that one off with a chisel. Glue the bridge back together and use it as a template for a new one. It's a 4-5 hour job.

Author:  Jeffrey L. Suits [ Mon Feb 25, 2013 3:10 pm ]
Post subject:  I found the "Guitar Repair blue book" at www.guitarshop.com/

?

"This domain may be for sale. Contact us"

Author:  theguitarwhisperer [ Mon Feb 25, 2013 3:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bridge Repair Opinions/Suggestions

I'd ask the guy what he wants you to do. Last time I got one of these I suggested a new bridge with a real correctly compensated saddle and he went for it.

Author:  Tai Fu [ Mon Feb 25, 2013 8:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bridge Repair Opinions/Suggestions

No way I charge 50 dollars for such a repair. There are way too many complications that could result from bridge removal, and gluing it back together has its risk too. Minimum charge of $100 dollars, either for replacing it with a custom made one, or repairing the existing one. I charge more for complex or oversized bridges such as Gibson SJ-300.

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