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#1
03-21-2021, 04:46 AM
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Cracked bridge on my Eastman
I was tuning up my 2019 Eastman E20P a couple weeks ago and heard a little "pop." Same thing happened a few days later. And then yesterday I noticed that the bridge had cracked. Not good, as you can see by the photos. There is a crack that radiates along the grain lines from each end of the saddle slot. And the saddle is starting to lean a bit.
I talked to a luthier on the phone and sent him the two photos I've posted here. He said that it needs to have the bridge replaced. He's willing to do the work. Said he'll probably have to make the new bridge slightly bigger to cover any damage he might cause removing this bridge. I didn't like the sound of that, but I can see where it could happen. We talked about gluing it, but he thinks the crack is beyond that, and I tend to agree. I also checked with an Eastman dealer down in Denver who said that the warranty only covers the original purchaser. Too bad for me, I bought it used. But I like this little guitar so much that I'm willing to spend the money to have it put right. Am I missing anything? Any other options? 20210320_144850.jpg20210320_144918.jpg
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2002 Martin OM-18V 2012 Collings CJ Mh SS SB 2013 Taylor 516 Custom Last edited by KenL; 03-21-2021 at 05:00 AM. 
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#2
03-21-2021, 05:46 AM
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Bad news. I also have a 2019 E20-P but we donlt get much of warranties here in the UK from foreign made instruments.
Two possible remedies : 1. as your luthier says, 2. "microsurgery" - glue into cracks and clamp until firm. I'd suggest a luthier job though.
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Silly Moustache, Just an old Limey acoustic guitarist, Dobrolist, mandolier and singer. I'm here to try to help and advise and I offer one to one lessons/meetings/mentoring via Zoom!
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#3
03-21-2021, 05:58 AM
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Find a repairman who is competent. An oversize bridge is unacceptable.
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#4
03-21-2021, 07:05 AM
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A good luthier should be able to remove that bridge with zero "damage." The bridge will need to be replaced. I've never had success repairing that type of crack with glue. Forward pressure from the saddle under string tension usually breaks it again.
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Bryan 
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#5
03-21-2021, 07:13 AM
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Just thinking out loud here, but I wonder if it would be possible to contact Eastman and see if you can buy a replacement bridge from them so you can keep the factory look? You'd still need a luthier to replace it, but when he/she was done, you'd never be able to tell it happened.
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#7
03-21-2021, 09:06 AM
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Your luthier is talking about a pencil line increase in the footprint of a new bridge. Not enough to make a significant difference that you might actually be able to hear. Making a duplicate bridge, indistinguishable from the original, is not hard. I agree glueing is not a good option. If you haven’t already taken the tension off loosen the strings now.
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BradHall _____________________ Last edited by BradHall; 03-21-2021 at 09:09 AM. Reason: More info
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#8
03-21-2021, 09:17 AM
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Quote:
And I got to thinking that the ebony above the crack is about to fall off on its own and should be easy to remove. Once it is gone, he will have that vacated space to work from if it is prying that needs to be done. (Does that make sense?) And if he leaves a small pry mark or two, it won't matter in the end. And I have loosened the strings. Thanks. jklotz- that's a good idea. I'll see what I can do.
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2002 Martin OM-18V 2012 Collings CJ Mh SS SB 2013 Taylor 516 Custom Last edited by KenL; 03-21-2021 at 09:25 AM.
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#9
03-21-2021, 09:22 AM
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Bridge is likely repairable without removing it. Neither oversize bridge nor the expectation of damage from removal is acceptable.
Loosen strings fully if you haven't already. Find a different "luthier."
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"Still a man hears what he wants to hear, and disregards the rest." --Paul Simon
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#10
03-21-2021, 09:44 AM
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Quote:
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Bryan
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#12
03-21-2021, 10:26 AM
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KenL:
If you want to see it done, look at some videos of Rosa String Works on YouTube. Jerry replaces lots of bridges, so you’ll get a good idea of how it’s done. And he always manages to use the same bridge footprint. HTH!
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Carol _______________ PRS SE Hollowbody II Piezo Emerald X30 Woody Traveler EG-1 Custom
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#15
03-21-2021, 11:21 AM
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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."
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2002 Martin OM-18V 2012 Collings CJ Mh SS SB 2013 Taylor 516 Custom
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