Bridge Pulling Up on a 60’s Martin

[sammyman]

What can you do when a bridge pulls up significantly and pulls up the top wood as well. Is there anything you can do to bring the wood down level again? Or is the damage permanent:

https://imgur.com/a/11iMBOh

On this particular guitar, the saddle is almost gone, but the action is low. However the wood below the bridge is very buckled.

[Wade Hampton]

It sounds as though there’s a loose brace under the top where it’s bellying. The best and smartest thing you can do is lower the tension of the strings and get the instrument to a guitar repair tech as soon as possible.


whm

[John Arnold]

It appears that both X braces are loose in the bridge area.
Regluing the braces will reduce the bulge, but some distortion may remain. That may be helped by gently heating the wood and pressing it flat. However, that does entail some risk of damage to the finish.

[sammyman]

Originally Posted by John Arnold

It appears that both X braces are loose in the bridge area.
Regluing the braces will reduce the bulge, but some distortion may remain. That may be helped by gently heating the wood and pressing it flat. However, that does entail some risk of damage to the finish.

Thanks John! That all seems to line up with what I’m seeing.