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When I went to the shop this morning to work on a guitar, I discovered the top had seperated along the glue joint from the base of the guitar to the bridge plate. I tried to clamp it but it wont budge because to crosses the lower transverse brace. The guitar is assembled and almost ready to finish. Any help would be appreciated.

Rick, slowly hydrate the guitar to close the gap. Then reglue with appropriate glue. I use hot hide glue and sometimes Titebond.

Hydrating doesn't mean a trip in the shower. Put it in a RH room at the level you want, even a guitar case with Dampits, soundhole humidifier, Kyser makes one. Or a sponge on a plastic lid, taking care not to let moist sponge come in contact with the guitar body.

Sorry for your troubles, it's not the end of the world. Good luck.

Sounds like you had an adjustment in the RH factor overnight, or at least since the top was attached. You might try to increase you humidity a little and see if it closes.

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Tickle your guitar daily, and it'll tickle you back.

Sounds like you had a contaminated area in the joint or maybe had a big RH swing in the shop. You can build a screw jack to go inside to bring the plates back to level with each other. I believe Frank Ford has an article on this at his sight. (frets.com)

here it is

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Tickle your guitar daily, and it'll tickle you back.

thanks all I'll let you know how it comes out.

Rick, what kind of glue did you use?

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