How to Fix a Loose Acoustic Guitar Bridge

If your acoustic guitar has a loose bridge and you wondered how to fix it yourself, this video is for you. StewMac tech Gene Imbody demonstrates step-by-step how to fix an acoustic guitar bridge that is lifting off the top of the guitar.

0:00 Common reasons bridges come loose
1:55 Tools needed for the job
5:18 Prep work to remove the bridge
11:01 Bridge removal
13:55 Cleaning the bridge surface
17:55 Dry clamping
20:49 Bridge reglue
24:40 Final clean up
26:44 How'd we do?

Tools and supplies featured in this video include:

Bridge Spatula

StewMac 3-In-1 Bridge Caul

StewMac Bridge Clamp Caul

Swivel Handle Clamp

Camless Clamp

Soundhole Clamps

Titebond Original Wood Glue

StewMac Ultimate Scraper

Two Cherries Wood Chisels

Conductive Copper Tape

Bridge Pin Hole Reamer
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Instagram: @StewMac_Guitar

[chriscampbell]

I have reattached two separate acoustic guitar bridges. Both were budget models I found at thrift stores. Generally, the issue in these cases was the use of heavier strings than the guitars were probably designed for, and in the first case the bridge was warped and falliong off, and in the second case (a WJ-750, in this case a Texarkana brand) the bridge was not warped, but falling off, and when I removed it and looked at the bottom of it I could tell the bridge was not glued well enough at the factory (there was just a figure S of light glue.

When I fixed it, I plastered it with wood glue and C-clamped it, letting it set for a few days. Works like a dream 20 years later. The first guitar (an old Kingston) was purchased 40 years or so ago, and the bridge was warped and falling off the top of the guitar. A local luthier told me to remove the bridge completely, and then use an iron at low heat, flatten it that way. Then I reglued the bridge using modeler's glue (I wasn't yet aware of wood glue). It's held ever since. So -- if you have a budget model and the factory, for some reason known only to them, used too little glue to hold the bridge onto the guitar, it's not an impossible task to get your guitar back in playing order.

[PanekPL]

I don't play guitar, I play a old P Bass. In fact, I don't even care that much about acoustics and especially repairing their bridges... but when StewMac uploads, I watch. This is great. Cheers guys 👍👍

[ComradeStiv]

I may not use every pro tip _every_ time, but you must love how Gene so generously shares every last valuable one he knows. A detailed video reference manual on the task. Duly bookmarked, thank you sir 👏👏

[neetones]

Even if you never touch a guitar, this is a masterclass in knowing what you're doing and doing it the best possible way.

[vaoro]

This seems to be the most complicated and tool requiring job I've ever seen for bridge fixing. Maybe I could buy a new guitar for the price of all the tools in this vid.. lol.

[rauschguitars]

Folding over the end of the tape at 8:20... WHY have I never thought of that? Mind blown!

[danielfros]

Remarkable craftsmanship. After doing more simple set up tasks myself, came to learn about what it takes for a bridge replacement. Great job with the logical, step-by-step breakdown and detail orientation. Left feeling equal parts fascination and intimidation, haha. Now I know I'm taking this complex job to a local luthier!

[roccocroce]

I just bought a Hyyyde Gloo tone pedal. game changer

[dennisharrington]

Well done - this answers ALL of my questions. And good heavens, he's even doing it on the same guitar I have - a StewMac OM kit-built. Wish me luck on my re-glue.
And you probably did some work on my old D-18 at Woodsong's, many years ago.

[guitarsofold]

Excellent presentation, tips, and execution. Thank you. Gene ....

[jimdoner]

I have the bridge caul but not the inside bridge plate one, also that reamer looks really nice. Great job on this, shows us how to take things up to the next level.

[rbfour]

Awesome video- very clear and concise instructions that takes the “fear” out of doing this myself. 👏👏

[Imnotahab]

Very interesting, it is cool to see different methods of bridge removal. twoodford uses a small controllable heat pad that is another interesting approach.

[IraDuncan]

This was a fantastic video.

About halfway through the video, you mentioned gluing a flat bridge to a radiused surface---the top.

I have seen other luthiers contour the bottom of the bridge to match the top's radius because the saddle slot was already cut flat.

[jasonsgroovemachine]

If there's one thing I've learned from Stew Mac, it's that overkill is SOP.

[mokkent]

thank you. I just got a MIJ Saturn for Can$25 with a lifted bridge. I m going to follow your instructions.

[brunolevasseur]

That's clearly an operation with lot of care!!!
Congrats, Gene !
I'm also a guitar tech and you give me some nice inspiration to achieve great work.

[EmmanuelEjiofor-owhk]

26:47 please, What's that white thing (on which the strings rest) called?

[stuco]

I wish I could just come into the stew mac workshop and do some repairs when I need to. To have all those tools would be great. I usually have to improvise. This is a great tutorial, some people rush removing a bridge and that's the last thing you want to do.

[rjohnson]

Wow, I’m not a luthier but amazing care and a fine touch. Note the use of the chisel held vertically to scrape the top, pulling away from the bevel side. The lowwww pressure he used when gently scraping the bottom of the bridge. Carefully breaking just the surface of the finish before starting the heating. A lot of very sensitive work going on that’s not obvious.