Bridge is lifting on new LG-2 Reissue

[JMorris]

I bought a 2020 50s LG-2 reissue about three weeks ago from my local Sam Ash. I’ve enjoyed it! Just last night I noticed that the bridge is lifting up- seemingly coming unglued- on the Low E String end. I couldn’t believe it? After only a few weeks of playing? It had been out on the floor for quite a while at the store as well, so I don’t know if that would have played a role. Sam Ash has said they can either fix it or I can exchange it. I’m leaning toward exchanging it because I’m worried there might be something structurally wrong with the wood. Am I thinking along the right track? Thanks for your input.

[lowrider]

Unless that guitar has your dream tone, I'd just exchange it.

[warfrat73]

How much of a gap are we talking about here? It's pretty normal on many guitars for there to a be a little gap (like, big enough to slide some paper in there), around the corners.

If it's anything more than that, I'd just exchange it.

[scotchnspeed]

Originally Posted by warfrat73

How much of a gap are we talking about here? It's pretty normal on many guitars for there to a be a little gap (like, big enough to slide some paper in there), around the corners.

If it's anything more than that, I'd just exchange it.

^^^Yes - it if is in the corner, then this can be 100% normal.

[D-utim]

On a Taylor bridge, but not a Gibson. Return it.

[Mr.Woody]

This just started happening on my 2018 J-45. I love the sound of the guitar, but it's also not like I have an infinite return window take it back, so of course it's going to get fixed under warranty. I would say exchange it, unless the guitar really really speaks to you.

[The Bard Rocks]

If you have it repaired, you will have a period of time without it to play. Exchange it and there is no wait. Exchanged, you may get something you like less (or, perhaps, better).

[Robin, Wales]

I think that you should exchange it - and write to Gibson.

The company has been making guitars for over 100 years. You would think that by now they would have the factory processes perfect for gluing on a bridge. Frankly, I would be embarrassed as a manufacturer if I had a bridge lift after a few weeks' of playing and would want to investigate the cause within my production process. This is an expensive USA made guitar we are talking about, not a $150 Far East import.

I've been GASsing after one of those 50s LG-2 guitars as I think that its tone and features would really suit my playing style. So I'm very disappointed to hear about this quality issue.

I hope that you get it sorted quickly and that Gibson acknowledge that this shouldn't be happening and, most importantly, do something to stop the bridges lifting in future.

[viper00085]

Unfortunately in the same boat with only a couple month old J15. Was praising it when first recvd... Loved it!! Great feel & tone, great initial set up, perfect sunburst paint job and sweet walnut figured back/sides.

Then noticed over the first few weeks just a little lift on bass side front corner of the bridge (just enough to get paper under corner), thought no biggie. Well its gotten really worse over the last month or so to the point where you can slide paper probably 1/4"+ under it on a 45 degree angle. I am a pretty mechanical being a former aircraft/engine tech and do most of my own guitar work (plus have all tooling for bridges), so I will fix it myself... But am disappointed in their build quality/QC and shouldn't have to on a new $2K guitar from a premier US factory!

[zoopeda]

Originally Posted by lowrider

Unless that guitar has your dream tone, I'd just exchange it.

Agreed. I’m sure someone at the shop will just glue it back down and sell as a new guitar (rightfully so, assuming the original adhesion was just a bad joint). But it’s a new guitar, might as well get another quick. It’ll sound better with the bridge glued down too!

[phavriluk]

No guitar factory exists to make guitars. It exists to make money. Every manufacturer tries to optimize its production flow, in its own way. Looks like Gibson's cost-cutting didn't work out in the bridge-attaching area.

[pegleghowell]

Return it..life is too short to faff about.

[SpruceTop]

I'd exchange it for another even if you have to wait for one from the Gibson factory.

[rokdog49]

Originally Posted by Robin, Wales

I think that you should exchange it - and write to Gibson.

The company has been making guitars for over 100 years. You would think that by now they would have the factory processes perfect for gluing on a bridge. Frankly, I would be embarrassed as a manufacturer if I had a bridge lift after a few weeks' of playing and would want to investigate the cause within my production process. This is an expensive USA made guitar we are talking about, not a $150 Far East import.
.

Robin, no manufacturer is without issues. Look up the numerous threads on “binding issues” with Martin guitars as just one for instance.
There was a post on here a few years back where a very expensive custom guitar had misaligned drilling of tuner holes. That guitar cost a lot more than the aforementioned Gibson.
How about recalls on automobiles? You would think that after a century of building them they could get it right.
If you suppose otherwise, you are being unrealistic.
No offense intended and I certainly would contact Gibson, but stuff happens.

[heavy_picker]

A lifting bridge is a common repair. Did you humidify the guitar during the dry winter? Do you keep the guitar away from radiators or heating ducts? If you like the guitar let Sam Ash fix the loose bridge. You'll get the guitar back in less than a week. It's a simple repair for a luthier to do. They remove some of the old glue , reglue it, and clamp it down over night. I've had this repair done on my Gibson and Martin guitars. After the repair they play and sound as they normally should.
Bridge wood (rosewood or ebony) moves differently than the Spruce top when humidity or temperature changes. Extreme temperature changes also cause movement of the wood of a guitar. Do not keep a guitar in a cold or hot place.