How to Replace a Lower Bridge on an Acoustic Guitar Bridge

Acoustic guitar bridges produce intonation.

Acoustic instruments work through the cooperation of several parts, usually crafted from wood. When one malfunctions it causes a chain reaction. Even a simple part, such as the bridge that supports the strings, can cause serious playing and tone problems when it is not working properly. Unlike electric guitars with removable metal bridges, acoustic guitar bridges are secured with glue and require special replacement techniques.

Things You'll Need

• Clean towel
• Thick book
• Acoustic guitar
• Pliers
• Thin putty knife
• Wood glue
• Replacement bridge
• Paper towels
• 3 deep-throated clamps

Instructions

1. Place a clean towel on your work surface and place a thick book such as a telephone book on the towel.

2. Lay your acoustic guitar on the towel so the book supports the guitar's neck.

3. Turn each string's tuning knob clockwise to loosen the string and pull the end of the string from the knob's string post.

4. Pull out each of the bridge pins from the bridge by hand. Remove any stuck pins with pliers.

5. Slide each string from the string holes in the bridge and remove them from the guitar.

6. Pull the thin white piece of plastic or "saddle" from the bridge with pliers.

7. Pry the exterior of the bridge with a thin putty knife. Continue prying until the bridge comes loose and can be removed.

8. Remove any debris from the surface of the bridge location using compressed air.

9. Apply wood glue to the back side of the replacement bridge and the bridge location on the guitar. Use a thin layer and spread it over each surface with your fingertip.

10. Press the replacement bridge in place and wipe away any excess wood glue with a moist paper towel.

11. Clamp the bridge in place with three deep-throated clamps. Place one clamp on each end of the bridge. Place one clamp directly in the center of the bridge. Position the clamps with one side of each clamp on the bridge and the opposite side on the interior of the guitar body beneath the bridge. Tighten the clamps evenly to secure the bridge. Allow the glue to dry for 24 hours before restringing.

References

• Guitar RepairShop: Vintage Acoustic Bridge Removal; Steve Carmody
• Fret Not Guitar Repair: Gluing a Loose Guitar Bridge

Resources

• Chicago Luthiers: The Acoustic Bridge