Cracked bridge on my Eastman - Page 2

CarolD · #16 03-21-2021, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KenL

Thanks, Carol, good advice. Very informative.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YESnnKyCKuo

Had to laugh when he said "Anything worth doing is worth doing 3 or 4 times."

You’re welcome! I love watching Jerry make and repair instruments! He always has some rather pithy sayings :>

Terry_D · #17 03-23-2021, 12:56 PM

If Mr. Klepper is saying it can be repaired without removing it, doesn't that mean gluing it? If the bridge is held on with glue I can't see a reason that the crack couldn't be repaired with glue. But I'm not a luthier, I just play one at home some times.

John Arnold · #18 03-23-2021, 09:41 PM

The crack is stressed more than the glue joint holding the bridge to the top. Also, glue joints must be tight for maximum strength.

KenL · #19 03-24-2021, 05:05 PM

UPDATE:

I found an email address on the Eastman Guitars website. Sent them an email telling them about the badly cracked bridge and asked if I could buy a new one.

When I didn't hear back from them, I took the guitar to Rocky Mountain Guitars in Salida. This is Jeff Bamburg's shop; he builds outstanding custom guitars. He had a look at it and recommended that we try gluing it first, and that the chances of it working were 50/50. If it didn't work, he would replace the bridge.

So I left it with him, and headed home. Found an email from my inbox from Eastman, and they are sending me a new bridge. I kinda thought they might.

Called Jeff, and he recommended that we stick to the original plan of gluing it first. Okay, good, hope it works. If not, I'll have a OEM replacement bridge in hand.

PS, he really liked the Eastman. Here's a guy that build $6k-$10K custom guitars, and he was admiring my inexpensive little MIC guitar!

Mirosh · #20 03-24-2021, 05:21 PM

That sounds like an excellent plan, with a good dose of the kindness of strangers. Best of luck.

When you contacted Eastman, was it in China, or some US rep?

KenL · #21 03-24-2021, 05:51 PM

Not sure, Mirosh, and I was wondering the same thing. Couldn't tell from the brief email.

I hope the new bridge isn't on a slow boat from China!

docwatsonfan · #22 03-24-2021, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mirosh

That sounds like an excellent plan, with a good dose of the kindness of strangers. Best of luck.

When you contacted Eastman, was it in China, or some US rep?

I've had excellent customer service from Eastman, they are in Pomona CA

Mr. Paul · #23 03-25-2021, 07:12 AM

Really hope the glue job holds, Ken.

Since that's gonna take a few days watcha gonna buy to hold you over

KenL · #24 03-25-2021, 08:15 AM

lol @ Mr. Paul.

For never having actually met, you sure seem to know me well!

Actually, I've got a Guild D-55 inbound. Might have it tomorrow, but more likely on Saturday. Pretty excited about that.

PS, congrats on your recent sale. That was a beauty, I looked hard at it more than once!

Mr. Paul · #25 03-25-2021, 07:04 PM

Nice!

The photo of the brazilian D55 that was recently in the classifieds just about knocked me out.

The Collings went in trade for one of three models I said I would be willing to trade for. I have a new one coming tomorrow or Saturday as well. We seem to have caught the same bug

KenL · #26 03-26-2021, 06:59 AM

I need to buy myself a Collings one of these days, see what all the buzz is about. Have never even played one. The Pickin' Parlor always has a bunch of them, I need to head down there.

And, yes, that braz D-55 was drool-worthy. One of the coolest guitars ever listed here on the AGF, imo.

FedEx shipping shows my D-55 as being delivered today by 9pm. But it also shows it as being in Georgia as of 9:18 last night, so I ain't holding my breath....

KenL · #27 04-02-2021, 08:23 AM

I got a text with a photo from Jeff at Rocky Mountain Guitars, and he said the repair was looking pretty good. I looked hard at the photo and could see no signs of a repair.

I'll be leaving in a while to go pick it up, and expect to be very pleased. I'll post a picture when I get back.

Pretty excited, I've missed having that little thing around.

phavriluk · #28 04-02-2021, 08:35 AM

The break in the bridge at the saddle slot...Is this a failure of that particular piece of wood? A failure from using an inappropriate species of wood for the bridge? I've made bridges and I'd love to be educated in avoiding repairs I could have avoided.

Thanks!

KenL · #29 04-02-2021, 08:49 AM

It's ebony, so I wouldn't call it an inappropriate species.

I think this piece had a "fatal flaw" in it from Day 1, and it finally manifested.

It's wood- whaddya gonna do?

jklotz · #30 04-02-2021, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KenL

I got a text with a photo from Jeff at Rocky Mountain Guitars, and he said the repair was looking pretty good. I looked hard at the photo and could see no signs of a repair.

I'll be leaving in a while to go pick it up, and expect to be very pleased. I'll post a picture when I get back.

Pretty excited, I've missed having that little thing around.

Awesome man! Really hope you get it resolved!