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I got an old Gibson LG O acoustic that had its bridge replaced. There is a slight lifting behind the bridge. Also the new replacement bridge (rosewood like the original) is separating from the top. It appears that a duco cement type of adhesive was used. I'd like to reattach it with the best glue and the best way. I have a separating knife from Stu Mcdonald to get it off clean. Any advice? Special clamps?

 

Thanks

bridges are not that big a deal to pop off. I actually pop them off with a chisel cold. Now check for bolts on the bridge first
once you have it off be sure you haev clean wood and any good wood glue will work but NOT BOTTLE HIDE GLUE
use tite bond   elmers or real hide glue
john hall

First, go to Frets.com and see how Frank does it. I would also strongly recommend studying up on these types of repairs in all the available books and videos. If you don't do it right, the bridge will come off again.

Also, the longer the bridge is on there but pulling up in the back, with the guitar strung up, the worse the string tension will distort the shape of the soundboard and the bridge plate, and possibly cause other damage as well (such as split bridge plate). With the bridge lifting up, the force of the strings is concentrated in a smaller area and this can reak havoc if left like that for too long.

The bridge will likely pop off without much difficulty (might take some heat), but all the other steps involved in regluing it, esp preparing the surfaces, must be done right (and can be more involved than you might think). You won't really know what you're dealing with until you get the bridge off.

_________________
Todd Rose
Ithaca, NY

https://www.dreamingrosesecobnb.com/todds-art-music

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Some of the LG0 and LG1 guitars had bolt-on plastic bridges, and it takes a bit of work to get all the finish off the top before gluing the replacement. If this isn't done well, the replacement can pop off.
It sounds like your guitar had a wood bridge originally, so this may not be an issue for you.
As John Hall mentioned, check for bolts/screws as well- these 'repairs' can be full of surprises!

John

thanks all. She originally  had a plastic bridge and it is still in the case. It has bolts. The old owner sanded the guitar down and applied a nice mat finish. So he may have applied the new rosewood bridge over the finish.