JF30-12 Bridge Lifting (Westerly Model)

[Mr.Bluesky]

I have a JF30-12 I purchased circa 1999 and it is one of my favorite instruments ever. I leave it de-tuned when not in active use and I noticed recently the bridge is elevating from the top at the bottom of the bridge. I understand this is not uncommon but I am wrestling with what to do next. I have read from some who suggested repairing it immediately while others seem to suggest to leave it alone and only repair if it actually comes off as the repair can sometimes impact the finish etc.

I have no plans to ever sell it and am inclined to get it repaired. I have reached out to Guild directly to see if this is something covered under the warranty as I am the original owner or if it is something they can repair.

I appreciate any thoughts or considerations as I explore my options.

I have attached a file showing the elevated bridge.

TIA - Todd

 

[wileypickett]

I recommend getting it fixed. If the strings pull the bridge off, it’ll almost certainly take part of the top with it, which will cause more than just a bit of finish damage.

It happened to me, on an old Epiphone six-string. The guitar was repairable, but it was more expensive to fix than if I'd had taken care of it in time, and the damage was still visible after the repair -- there was only so much that could be done to hide it.

Keep in mind too that there are approximately 260 pounds of pull on the bridge of a 12-string guitar.

 

[jedzep]

Yep. Might as well at least de-tune it a whole step to ease the tension, if you're still going to play it 'til it gets to the doctor.

I'd forget Guild and find a competent luthier near you.

 

[davismanLV]

They didn't always glue all the way to the edge on the Westerly Guilds. There was a tiny bevel so the bridge would "float" over the finish around it. So is this something new and different, or are you just noticing this now? That looks like my Dunlop .60 mm nylon pick, and they are very thin. Is it just in the middle there or all the way around. It's not that far in. Could be it's always been that way and you're just noticing it now. Check around all the sides with the tension off and see if you can get an idea of how much surface area is really holding. Easily could be that's just they way they did it and it's on there super tight.

Of course, if it bothers you and you're going to fuss about it, a bridge reglue isn't a big deal. So if you'll sleep better at night, then have it reglued by someone competent. Then you won't worry. I'd rather look at this than a badly done reglue job!! Let us know what you decide!

 

[jedzep]

More good points from Tom.

 

[Mr.Bluesky]

I recommend getting it fixed. If the strings pull the bridge off, it’ll almost certainly take part of the top with it, which will cause more than just a bit of finish damage.

It happened to me, on old Epiphone six-string. The guitar was repairable, but it was more expensive to fix than if I'd had taken care of it in time, and the damage was still visible after the repair -- there was only so much that could be done to hide it.

Keep in mind too that there are approximately 260 pounds of pull on the bridge of a 12-string guitar.

Thank you for the guidance. I have a local luthier who has done good work for me in the past. Sounds like he will be getting a visit from me this week

 

[Mr.Bluesky]

They didn't always glue all the way to the edge on the Westerly Guilds. There was a tiny bevel so the bridge would "float" over the finish around it. So is this something new and different, or are you just noticing this now? That looks like my Dunlop .60 mm nylon pick, and they are very thin. Is it just in the middle there or all the way around. It's not that far in. Could be it's always been that way and you're just noticing it now. Check around all the sides with the tension off and see if you can get an idea of how much surface area is really holding. Easily could be that's just they way they did it and it's on there super tight.

Of course, if it bothers you and you're going to fuss about it, a bridge reglue isn't a big deal. So if you'll sleep better at night, then have it reglued by someone competent. Then you won't worry. I'd rather look at this than a badly done reglue job!! Let us know what you decide!

Tom, thanks for the guidance. You are correct regarding the pick size and that it does not go in very far. The gap is along the entire bottom length of the bridge except for the last 1/2 inch or so on either side. It is not all the way around. I am very particular with my guitars (cleaning, servicing etc) and while I could not say exactly when it may have developed, I am quite certain it is more recent as I would have noticed it I think over the years...

I completely loosened the strings to see how that impacted the gap and it did indeed reduce the space but it is still visible. Hopefully the difference is visible in the attached pictures I would say without measuring it exactly it reduced the gap about 50%.

Given my attachment to this guitar I think I will have a local luthier take a look at it for me.

 

[davismanLV]

You're right. That might be a tad big for me to be comfortable with. And if it's changed from before, that means it's in motion, which isn't a good sign. Getting it looked at is definitely a good idea. As Glenn has said, when they snap off on their own, there's usually collateral damage.

 

[howl108]

I have a JF30-12 I purchased circa 1999 and it is one of my favorite instruments ever. I leave it de-tuned when not in active use and I noticed recently the bridge is elevating from the top at the bottom of the bridge. I understand this is not uncommon but I am wrestling with what to do next. I have read from some who suggested repairing it immediately while others seem to suggest to leave it alone and only repair if it actually comes off as the repair can sometimes impact the finish etc.

I have no plans to ever sell it and am inclined to get it repaired. I have reached out to Guild directly to see if this is something covered under the warranty as I am the original owner or if it is something they can repair.

I appreciate any thoughts or considerations as I explore my options.

I have attached a file showing the elevated bridge.

TIA - Todd

I would suggest that you have a repair ASAP, as previously mentioned (before damaging the top).
I have a JF55 12, and exactly the same thing a few years ago. I had the bridge removed and re-glued by Dave King. He did a superb job, it is virtually impossible to tell the guitar has been repaired now, and the improvement in sound was instantly noticeable.