Official Luthiers Forum!

I had the strings off of my acoustic Avalon AS200CE and the bridge just fell out. I don't know how to put it back in, do I need special glue? I assumed that it wasn't glued to begin with since it just fell out but that doesn't seem right.

I am not sure which direction the bridge goes in. I am attaching a picture I took with my webcam. You'll notice that the left side doesn't seem to be as high as the right. Also, the left side has two wedges. I am assuming this is where the higher pitched strings go. Am I correct?

Also, I am not an experienced Luthier at all. Would it make more sense for me to bring this into the shop?

Thank you!

your picture is showing a saddle not a bridge. A drop in saddle just sits in the slot
john hall
blues creek guitars

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John Hall
blues creek guitars
Authorized CF Martin Repair
Co President of ASIA
You Don't know what you don't know until you know it

No need for glue? It can just go in loose with the strings over it?

Also, was I correct in which direction to put it back in?

Thank you!

The taller end goes to the bass end, and the end with the "house top" wiggle goes to the treble end of the slot. Flat side down!

Got a pickup in there?

It's an acoustic electric, so yes, but I really have no idea where it's at. I know there are controls on the top that I can get to while I'm playing, but I don't know if the pickup is built into that or what. Does that make a difference when dealing with my saddle?

Howdy Marc,
First off, Welcome to the O.L.F. You did assume correct. It was not glued in to begin with. Upon further study of this wooden wonder we call the Guitar it will make since to you in time why it isn't glued. I assume you were changing the strings on you Avalon when your saddle fell out. This is fairly common and a very easy fix. You wont have to take it to a Guitar Doctor for repair. Sometimes the wire from the pickup underneath will push it out. Not sure what your guitar playing experience is, but this is something you'll be dealing with alot if you change your strings regularly. The brown wooden piece where you peg the strings in is called the Bridge and the small white piece you have in your hand is referred to as the Saddle. It just slides back in and should fit fairly snug. It is NOT glued in. So you wont be wanting to glue it. If you look in the bottom of the slot where the saddle fits in the bridge, you may see a slender metal strip hiding down there. If there is, that would be your guitars' pick-up. It is referred to as a UST or Under Saddle Transducer pick-up. It isn't glued in either and doen't make a difference when sliding your saddle back in. Just make sure the UST is flat along the bottom and put your saddle on top and push it down. You were indeed correct in the direction this baby goes. Look at the picture of your guitar you submitted and you can tell which direction the "wedges" go. Those wedges are cut in the saddle for string compensation. If you don't feel comfortable sliding the saddle in the slot and putting the strings on then you probably should take it to your nearest music store. I suggest that you learn the anatomy of your guitar. This is one of the best Forums on the Internet to do that.
Don’t let these Pro’s scare you off. They just like to post pictures of their beautiful guitars and discuss topics that only PHD’s can understand….lol
And don’t forget to get back on here and ask questions often so you’ll know your guitar and save you a bunch of money of NOT taking it to the music store for routine adjustments.

Happy playing!

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"After forty-nine years of violin building, I have decided that the search for a varnish is similar to the fox hunt. The fun is in the hunt."
Jack Batts Maker and Repairer of Fine Violins