Soundboard Bulge

[BenBooth]

Hey Guys,

I have a Tanglewood Master Design TSM1 which is now 10 years old which has developed quite a large bulge behind the bridge on the side of the bass string, I'd estimate its raised about 1/4 of an inch, it hasn't sunk in front of the bridge though. Also in order to keep a reasonable action in standard tuning I have to screw the truss rod all the way in.

I think this has happened because I use medium gauge strings (0.13 to 0.56) rather than the normal lights.

It doesn't sound as good as it used to but there are a number of other issues that need sorting, nut, bridge, frets etc.

Is this bulge something I should worry about? Should I stop using medium gauge strings?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[charles Tauber]

Originally Posted by BenBooth

It doesn't sound as good as it used to but there are a number of other issues that need sorting, nut, bridge, frets etc.

That's the place to start: addressing what issues that the instrument has. The bridge, for example, is an important part of the mechanical structure. If it is lifting/un-glued significantly, it can compromise the structure. (I assume you mean bridge and not saddle.)

I'd also check for a loose brace in the area around the bulge.

Don't use the truss rod to adjust string height.

[mirwa]

Some bulging is typical and not an issue.

If its noticeably bulging behind the bridge and not dipping in front of the bridge then very little to do with string gauge IMO, more likely you have a loose brace, loose bridge or some humidity issues

Steve

[JLT]

Originally Posted by BenBooth

Also in order to keep a reasonable action in standard tuning I have to screw the truss rod all the way in.

That tells me that you're looking at a neck reset. I don't know how valuable your guitar is, not being acquainted with that maker. But a competent luthier can look at it and tell you whether it's worth it, and how to go about doing the reset. (If it's a bolt-on neck, it's easy-peasy; if not, the two of you can figure out whether to do a true reset or a simpler conversion to bolt-on, which is getting to be a popular alternative.)