#1
|
|||
|
|||
Repair or trash?
Thoughts on whether I should replace a cracked bridge on a $200 Art & Lutherie Ami parlor guitar with $100 matching hard case, or dump it in the trash. I can buy the right bridge from Godin for $15, but even if I did the job myself, I'd need to buy specialized clamps... I like the guitar just fine and it's great for travel, but I never choose it over the Martins....
|
#2
|
|||
|
|||
That would be a good candidate if you’re interested in learning about guitar repair.
__________________
Kopp Trail Boss - Kopp L—02 - Collings C10 Custom - Gibson J-200 Jr - Halcyon 000 - Larrivee 00-70 |
#3
|
||||
|
||||
If it’s trash or repair, maybe a normally unacceptable fix is acceptable when the alternative is to trash it…
Maybe put some super glue in the crack and then play it into the ground. |
#4
|
||||
|
||||
You can make bridge clamping rig with some scrap wood and a few bolts, washers and nuts.
Basically a caul to go inside, one on top, some spacers that provide even pressure to the bridge, and some bolts or machine screws that fit through the bridge pin holes.
__________________
"What have I learned but the proper use for several tools" -Gary Snyder Bourgeois DR-A / Bowerman "Working Man's" OM / Martin Custom D-18 (adi & flame) / Martin OM-21 / Northwood M70 MJ / 1970s Sigma DR-7 / Eastman E6D / Flatiron Signature A5 / Silverangel Econo A (Call me Dan) |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
You do not need special clamps. Just fit two rectangular blocks of wood to fit snug under the bridge plate and put a weight on the bridge.
OK, not that much. This was gluing the sides to the top. Use masking tape to outline where the bridge should go, add shims to the wings in order for the weight to be distributed evenly. Don't forget to profile the bottom of the bridge to the top (using sandpaper facing up in the top). Might not be a bad idea to put a little wax paper undernieth the inner blocks in case the glue drips down the holes (likely) and glues the blocks to the bridge plate.
__________________
Fred |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
Think how much those $15 Kalamazoo guitars go for today (especially the ones with maple ply b/s) and look at your cheap Ami in a new light!
Repair it. It is a future vintage guitar!
__________________
I'm learning to flatpick and fingerpick guitar to accompany songs. I've played and studied traditional noter/drone mountain dulcimer for many years. And I used to play dobro in a bluegrass band. |
#7
|
|||
|
|||
As others have already mentioned - you don't need an expensive clamp to re-glue a bridge.
Look at this design that utilizes the existing holes for the bridge pins. Now, no laughing but here's my home-made version that worked perfectly.
__________________
Brucebubs 1972 - Takamine D-70 2014 - Alvarez ABT60 Baritone 2015 - Kittis RBJ-195 Jumbo 2012 - Dan Dubowski#61 2018 - Rickenbacker 4003 Fireglo 2020 - Gibson Custom Shop Historic 1957 SJ-200 2021 - Epiphone 'IBG' Hummingbird |
#8
|
|||
|
|||
So clever! Thanks.
__________________
5 acoustics, 3 electrics, 2 basses, a banjo and there must be a harmonica around here somewhere! |
#9
|
|||
|
|||
I love it! Thank you.
__________________
5 acoustics, 3 electrics, 2 basses, a banjo and there must be a harmonica around here somewhere! |
#10
|
|||
|
|||
Not laughing Bruce, very impressive. "Saw it, copied it, used it!" Nicely done.
|
#11
|
|||
|
|||
Guys, I ordered the bridge. I'm going in! Thanks for the thoughts and help.
__________________
5 acoustics, 3 electrics, 2 basses, a banjo and there must be a harmonica around here somewhere! |
#12
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
__________________
Brucebubs 1972 - Takamine D-70 2014 - Alvarez ABT60 Baritone 2015 - Kittis RBJ-195 Jumbo 2012 - Dan Dubowski#61 2018 - Rickenbacker 4003 Fireglo 2020 - Gibson Custom Shop Historic 1957 SJ-200 2021 - Epiphone 'IBG' Hummingbird |
#13
|
|||
|
|||
Thanks for the tip and video
__________________
5 acoustics, 3 electrics, 2 basses, a banjo and there must be a harmonica around here somewhere! |
#14
|
|||
|
|||
Find someone to clamp it for you. There are so many guitar builders these days, there's bound to be one close by that would attach it for for free or not too much money. It's only a 10 minute job if the surfaces and shape are good.
|