How to Repair a Cracked Guitar Bridge

The bridge on your guitar is where the strings rest. There are many reasons the bridge might crack. Exposure to extreme changes in temperature is just one reason. A cracked bridge can cause your strings to lose tension and go out of tune. If the crack is allowed to go unchecked, the bridge will ultimately pull away from the body of your guitar and render it useless. With a few simple items and some patience, you can fix a cracked bridge before it becomes a problem.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Small, flat chisel Wood glue Wood stain Sandpaper Rubber band

1. Remove the strings on your guitar and remove the damaged bridge from your guitar. In the case of an old instrument, or one where the original bridge was poorly glued, you may be able to pop the bridge off. If the bridge is severely cracked it may pop off as well. If the bridge doesn't come off readily, you will need to use heat to loosen the glue.

2. Use a very flat chisel. Heat the end of the chisel and start at one corner of the bridge. Let the heated chisel do the most of the work. Apply just a little pressure to the chisel as it melts the old glue and loosens the bridge. Work your way around the bridge until you're able to lift it away from the guitar.

3. Repair the crack in the bridge. If the crack is minor and the break is even, you may be able to glue it back together. Apply glue and squeeze the damaged bridge until the crack closes. Use a rubber band to hold the bridge together until the glue dries. Sand and refinish the bridge as needed.

4. If the crack is too severe, you will need to replace the bridge with a new one. A cracked bridge sometimes causes the bridge to loosen and slip forward. This can damage the finish of your guitar. If this is the case, sand and finish the damaged area before you glue a new bridge to your guitar. Allow ample time for the glue to dry before you string your guitar.

Tips & Warnings

• Take your time when removing the bridge so you don't damage the finish of your guitar, which will create additional work.

Resources

• Fret Not Guitar Repair
• Guitar repair supplies

[versuviusx]

on 4/3/2009 you did not detail about the exact chisel to use and how to heat it up. how do you heat up a chisel? and which specific one do you use?