Bridge lift fix?

[twenty2late]

Strung up my first last night and I'm pleased to say it sounds better than my HD-28! However, I noticed tonight that the bass side of the bridge is lifting slightly and immediately took tension off. I was sure I used enough glue. What's the best way to fix this? Hopefully not removing the bridge? Thanks.
V/R
Ken

[tippie53]

what glue?
You may be able to work some glue under the gap and reclamp

[MaineGeezer]

I suspect that the way to really fix it is to take the bridge off, remove all the old glue down to clean bare wood, and re-glue. If you used hot hide glue, meticulous cleaning is not necessary as hhg will stick to itself.

[twenty2late]

I used titebond and had plenty of squeeze out. It is only lifting a little on the side and by less than a sheet of paper. Is it possible a little skin oil kept that side from holding?

[MaineGeezer]

I wouldn't think that would be enough to keep it from bonding. What is the bridge made of? If it's an oily wood, did you clean it first?

The luthier I took "lessons" from recommends using the lethal variety of paint stripper to clean wood before gluing. At minimum, it ought to be well wiped down with a good solvent.

[johnnparchem]

Often this happens when the bridge is sitting on a ledge of finish. It prevents a wood to wood bond. If that is the case the bridge needs to be removed.

[twenty2late]

I'm not 100% sure at the moment what the bridge is made of, it's whatever is shipping with the Martin kits. I really need to get into the habit of cleaning everything first. I try my best to wear gloves after I do clean the wood, but sometimes get too excited and forget...like when being close to finished!!!

I used tru oil for the finish, and spent a lot of time cleaning up the footprint, so I don't think it's sitting on a ledge of finish. I will attempt to push some extra glue under the side using a feeler gauge, and re-clamp it for 24 hours. If that doesn't work, I'll study bridge removal (which I need to learn anyway). I'll keep you all posted, and hopefully soon, I'll get some pics up. It really is a beautiful guitar and sounds amazing!

[tippie53]

the bridge is most likely richlight the amount of lift may not be a big deal Just keep an eye on it for a few days and see if it changes

[Danl8]

I would try watching it like John says, or wicking some glue in, clamp, restring and keep an eye on it. A substantial part of the load is borne by the bridge plate, isn't it? Richlite is what comes with kits from Martin. It looks good, glues good, and sounds good.

[twenty2late]

Overall, a .1mm feeler gauge just went in about an inch or so from the side so I think the problem is worse than I thought. I saw a bridge removal tool on stewmac but they wanted $40 and I can easily make it in an hour or less for about $2, so I will do that!

I'm going to look at this from a positive perspective and figure I'm about to learn a lot about fixing guitars! Hopefully I don't need a neck reset on my HD-28. If so, might have to learn how to steam it off soon! lol