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Hi folks,

The classical guitars I have seen have bridges that are finished with lacquer.  I have to refinish the top of a classical that I've repaired for a friend of mine (Some one stepped on it and mashed in the top). 

So, spray lacquer with the bridge attached to the top? or, should I remove the already finished bridge and spray the top like I would a steel string?

I don't really fancy prying the bridge of that cedar top.  I couldn't bear it if things went foul there.

Any advice much appreciated.

Stefan

Hello Stefan,
I would remove the bridge.

Sorry,
A typo, I would NOT remove the bridge.

Stefan, many classical builders finish the top after the bridge is fitted so that they can fine tune the top with the strings on.

I also do this on my steel strings, where I French polish the top after the bridge is glued on and the top finally tuned. On my lutes I have to glue on the bridge before the top is glued to the shell so again I finish with the bridge in place.

So yes leave the bridge on and refinish. One thing to note though, if it's a classical the chances are that the top is finished with French polish rather than lacquer.

Colin

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