Bridge lifting triage

[kudama]

Hello everyone,

Sadly my two Pono's (DS-20 and DS12-20) that I got around 4-5 years ago, are having a bit of bridge lifting. Nothing super obvious, just able to slip the corner of a single piece of paper under the bridge.

Here's a link to a google drive folder to see some pictures:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folde...9E?usp=sharing

So I have a few questions:
1. Does this look like it needs fixing?
2. Any immediate concerns?
3. How much does an average bridge re-glue cost?
4. If it does need fixing, who is a good person to take them to in or around Sacramento, CA?

Thank you,
Morgan

[charles Tauber]

It does appear to need fixing. The bridges are separating from the top along their length.

It isn't an immediate concern, but it should be fixed.

Repair prices vary by location and person, but probably about $100 per bridge to remove the bridge and re-glue it. If the repair person suggests squeezing glue in the separation and re-clamping, go elsewhere. Removing those bridges is an easy job for a skilled professional, particularly since the bridges are well on their way to coming off.

[kudama]

Thank you for the info!

[mtdmind]

There is a guy in Concord CA named Christopher Weber who does that kind of work.

[redir]

I would agree that while, as Alan Carruth would say, it probably won't fly off and kill the cat =^.^= it should probably be fixed. That's enough of a concern that it could be hurting your tone.

[CityFolk]

Agree to all the prior posts. Just would add that, while perhaps not an immediate concern, if the bridge continues to lift, you run the risk of doing damage to the top wood under the bridge which could significantly increase the cost to repair.

Removing a lifting bridge before it gets to the point where it possibly tears up the top is a rather straightforward job for a good repair tech. You also might find it improves the action, intonation, and tone after the repair.