Martin Top Replacement - Looking for a Luthier

[sjm1580]

Looking for a very good Martin (or non-Martin) repair shop. Preferably in the southeast US. Asking for a friend who has a Martin Custom OM koa back and sides and Sitka top. The bridge has separated from the top taking some of the top woods with it. He has made a temporary fix but seems to me the top will need to be replaced.

Not your usual neck reset, so I was hoping to find a top notch, reputable luthier for the job.

Thanks for the help!.

[Skarsaune]

Best to post this in the Build & Repair subforum.

Hopefully doesn’t need a top replacement - I have seen some wizardry done patching under bridges.

[Rudy4]

Why not send it to Martin?

[Neil K Walk]

Originally Posted by Rudy4

Why not send it to Martin?

They're closed until June 5th because of COVID-19.

To the OP: is your friend the original owner and warranty holder? A separating bridge could be considered a defect and thus covered under warranty. Replacing a sitka top doesn't require a lot in the way of materials (figure $200 maximum counting bracing and the grade of the tonewood) but it's essentially a neck reset and then some.

[JonWint]

Tops are routinely repaired in the bridge area. Don't rush to the conclusion that a re-top is required.

Your title should request recommendations for local (or nearest) luthiers that can reattach a bridge to a top that sustained some wood damage.

Even if your friend used CA glue or epoxy, it can be repaired. Re-top is not the answer.

Martin is not the quick or inexpensive answer. The temporary fix may have voided the warranty.

[charles Tauber]

Originally Posted by sjm1580

The bridge has separated from the top taking some of the top woods with it. He has made a temporary fix but seems to me the top will need to be replaced.

That the bridge has taken some top wood with it doesn't automatically point to replacing the top, a big job.

That he has made some temporary fix might well increase the cost of the repair, the first task of which will likely be to un-fix the temporary fix.

Posted at the same time Jon did: what he said.

[sjm1580]

Originally Posted by Neil K Walk

They're closed until June 5th because of COVID-19.

To the OP: is your friend the original owner and warranty holder? A separating bridge could be considered a defect and thus covered under warranty. Replacing a sitka top doesn't require a lot in the way of materials (figure $200 maximum counting bracing and the grade of the tonewood) but it's essentially a neck reset and then some.

No he bought the guitar from Carter's used.

[sjm1580]

Originally Posted by charles Tauber

That the bridge has taken some top wood with it doesn't automatically point to replacing the top, a big job.

That he has made some temporary fix might well increase the cost of the repair, the first task of which will likely be to un-fix the temporary fix.

Posted at the same time Jon did: what he said.

Unfortunately he made a temporary fix and probably added to the problem. It is a little bit of a mess.

[sjm1580]

Originally Posted by JonWint

Tops are routinely repaired in the bridge area. Don't rush to the conclusion that a re-top is required.

Your title should request recommendations for local (or nearest) luthiers that can reattach a bridge to a top that sustained some wood damage.

Even if your friend used CA glue or epoxy, it can be repaired. Re-top is not the answer.

Martin is not the quick or inexpensive answer. The temporary fix may have voided the warranty.

He is the second owner, got frustrated and tried to repair himself. It certainly needs a lot of loving, certainly not a simple bridge re-glue. This is a pretty pricey (42 series NAMM) guitar and deserves a top notch person to assess (certainly not me).

[sjm1580]

Originally Posted by Rudy4

Why not send it to Martin?

Bought it used.

[McCawber]

I watched Augie LoPrinzi do an incredible top replacement at his shop in Clearwater, FL many years ago. I'm sure he's retired now but I believe his daughter took over the shop. Whether she does that kind of work or not I don't know.

[Kelly77]

Brothers Music in Wind Gap, PA.... EXCELLENT PEOPLE, EXCELLENT WORK!

[sjm1580]

Originally Posted by Kelly77

Brothers Music in Wind Gap, PA.... EXCELLENT PEOPLE, EXCELLENT WORK!

I've heard that, will recommend my buddy call them tomorrow.

Thank you!