Blues Creek Guitars - How to Repair a Lifting Bridge

[@craigkidd9524]

Excellent Camerawork at 5:43

[@gurumonkey]

i have been laughing out loud at this comment for 5 minutes. I saw it before I watched and I was looking forward to the shot. lol.

[@craigkidd9524]

@@gurumonkey Im telling you! The joint MUST be good

[@stanlemke3569]

Legend has it that Glenn is still adding fish glue to this day.

[@davecaplinger2710]

This guy is a true craftsman , very impressive.

[@elischwartz7407]

Terrific Instruction. Very wholesome, very informative thank you!

[@DogAlpha]

I see what you did there at 6:37 you said you where going for fish glue and you finished off that bottle of Becks Beer on that back bench. One of my favorite beverages. Keep up the good work! And, Happy New Year!

[@goodmannersandetiquettecom]

Thanks. I feel like I can fix my guitar bridge after watching your video.

[@GLZEPHEAD69]

good video, I've had a guitar with a lifted bridge that I haven't been able to play in nearly 8yrs so i'm gonna go for it

[@mellotronanism2097]

Great video. Gave me the confidence to do the job and very happy with the results.

[@billhallsongs]

Thank you so much Glenn...Helped me get my old Guild Mk-Vl classical back in working order..!!

[@RodNeep]

Great video John. (And I love the sense of humour at the end - rascal.)

[@Bluesman76]

if i use fish glue on a lifting bridge without nowing what glue was used in is goin to be a problem? that will do it or its wrong? thank you for the video

[@jamshadghanbar5597]

Hi and thank you Glenn for the technique you taught repairing the bridge. Its great, easy and applicable. I already did the job and waiting to get it dried out. Happy new year.

[@davidyisrael469]

Good job getting close in with the camera.

[@0713mas]

I like the paper trick! I was using little brushes, but it seemed a bit wasteful when I had to throw them out after a few uses. Tite bond makes a hide glue also. Great stuff, I've thinned it with a little warm water. I'm gonna get me some fish glue and post-it notes.

[@starfire5656]

How do you know the original builder used Fish Glue that you could dissolve? is it common practice to use a dissolvable glue? Where do you find Fish Glue? I was thinking of using carpenter's glue. It doesn't dissolve and it probably won't ever separate again if properly clamped?

[@patricwr]

This video brought to you by Beck’s. Haha. Thanks for the video sir

[@dewindoethdwl2798]

Refurbishing old furniture has very similar issues. I prefer to use some thin plastic film instead of paper, it removes the risk of a wee bit tearing off inside the joint when the paper soften - a great source of frustration!

[@bluescreekguitars3346]

This is about showing how to see where things are gapped and how far. In most cases it is best to pull the bridge, In this case this was something we set up for the sake of education. Thin plastic is too floppy as often we are talking just a few thousandths of an inch . Most gapping on a bridge comes from miss care and not watching the humidith. In this case I think we used fish glue. Animal protein glues are great as they will reamalgamte back into glue as they are drying glues . Curing glues like tite bond require removal of the old glue in order to stick. Old antique furniture resotation is an art. My Father was a cabinet maker and many of the techniques are transformable to luthiery

[@alchemyaustralia6832]

Thankyou Glen you helped me greatly on my last restoration.

[@einarabelc5]

That's a beautiful guitar Glenn, hope it sounds even better.

[@martinhainer4504]

Very nice video.. My ibenez is lifting so I'll deffinetly try your crafting techniques.. Also gonna buy the tools

[@TheDzungTa]

What kind of glue you used in this demo? English is not my mother tongue, so it is a bit difficult to figure out? Thanks!

[@wiggitywhitefox]

I love the side shine of that guitar, my spiritual brother just gifted my family a Yamaha FG800 that’s got a similar beautiful shine, thankfully I’m not here because of that I’m here because of my daughters old Johnson’s bridge

[@Bicknellable]

I can't believe you're painting water under the bridge. I would be scared that it would soak into the bare wood outside of the area and cause the finish to bloom.....

[@Darrenmccarthymusica]

Great video guys, I think I'm gonna switch from titebond to fish glue for gluing the bridge from now on!

[@stevesmith6554]

Thanks! I will try this. My local store said this job would cost around $150.

[@tippie53]

best of luck take your time and be sure to get the surfaces well prepped. What brand of guitar?

[@stevesmith6554]

Epiphone, FT350BL. Japanese, built in the early 70's. I am the original owner.

[@stevesmith6554]

Any idea of they type of glue used?

[@philochristos]

That is a good trick to know. Thank you.

[@scruffygit771]

When you said you were going to get some fish glue at (6.37) did you also swig that bottle of Becks on the workshop table behind you, cos it was gone at (6.38)?

[@jamesmedia7247]

He had a full Becks at the end of the video! I love this guy! Very knowledgeable about guitars and explains things very well!

[@DriftinDoug]

Are you FBI?

[@tippie53]

@@jamesmedia7247 thanks yes beer powers the tools

[@PaArmyVet]

Glen I have an 87 Fender F256C acoustic with some uplifting of the Bridge. Do you know if they used hide glue back then on their bridges? Not sure if it matters or not but was curious. Thanks

[@KidNoah2012]

An hour later after the entire bottle of glue was empty he looked into the sound hole and saw a giant pile of fish glue that had dripped in from a crack in the body under the bridge :-) j/k

[@juansantana3380]

Very educational video thanks 🙏🏼

[@lorencing]

Thanks for the demo. How hard do you clamp? Lightly hand tight so the glue hardens and settles in the cavities or very tight so there is a lot of squeeze out?

[@bluescreekguitars3346]

If yu have to force it you have a problem I don't make it horribly tight. If you over tighten it , your glue joint will fail. So once you feel you have touched the joint 1/4 turn max. So if it doesn't close on a dry fit you need to take this to a shop so it comes off and the joint is clean and mated. If you have an ibanez that has a finished top and they glue the bridge to the finish get yourself some MED super glue work the ca into the joint and then clamp firm but not squashing tight

[@lorencing]

@@bluescreekguitars3346 thanks for the great info. Although I have another question/problem ... I made a diy wooden clamp that goes over the bridge, is curved on the bottom to fit the bridge top and connects, trough the string peg holes, with the lower (inside of guitar body - under the bridge) part of the clamp via 4 threaded (4mm) rods that are tightened with 4 wing nuts ... and there is also one hole on each side of the upper clap for the rod that pushes the wings of the bridge down with the help of small pieces of wood. So ... when finished, 24h clamp time, I have removed everything except for the lower part of the clamp which is now glued to the top from the inside and does not want to come off. Tried really hard to kinda snap it away, with no success. Drilled all 12 holes (a dry 12 string Suzuki Nagoya, which was not cared for enough, but is still in good shape) all the way trough the bottom (I used a metal drill bit for the four holes that had metal inserts for the rods, there is still a thin metal cylinder left inside of the lower clamp - could present a problem if I wanted to use a hole reamer to try to slowly remove wood in hope for the glue to let go) of the lower part of the clamp wood and it still does not budge, not for a 1/1000 of an inch or millimetre. Would you maybe know how does one go about a thing like that? How can I "know" where the thing is glued or how much, when there is no way to see? Is that possible or should I just leave the part glued and try to slowly widen the holes so that the pegs fit normally and accept the new sound?

[@wednesday567]

i just got a new classical, i notice the corner of the bridge is lifted, just a tiny part, should i try to fix it or is this normal

[@nixon9346]

Its not normal

[@AmplifiersPh]

Sir is it ok to put screw for lifting guitar bridge?. Im planning to drill the lifting part and put a screw for support. Thank you

[@tippie53]

I don't use them as they really don't work as well as glue. This can depend on the guitar but take the time to remove the bridge and reglue you will have a much better end result

[@FrettieFingers]

It's just water under the bridge.

[@DaManCisco285]

🤣

[@dt1mdlara]

Thank you for sharing. God bless.

[@tippie53]

in this case Glenn had made this so we knew the glue. Hide glue was common on guitars up to the late 60's. You can test for animal glues easy with a bit of water and paper. work water into the open area let set a few minutes and then work paper under. That will pick up some glue and you will feel it.

[@VictoryGuitarShop]

Love Fish Glue. Just replaced a bridge on my HD-28 and used Fish Glue.

[@scottyh1509]

I pray my guitar never falls into the hands of this man. Lol

[@tracytcb]

What size are those clamps, do they have a particular name?

[@OliviD22]

it's named Deep Throat C Clamp.

[@ary8890]

I do not have any clamps, is there anything eles I can use?

[@rexyrock5027]

Hi Glenn, Just so I'm sure about my repair at hand. I have a 73' Ovation, and the bridge lifted completely but is still attached at the (top) of the bridge...sort of like opening a hatch. I'm guessing that it's still down by a hair of glue on the top seam. It's clean under there. It looks like a straight clamp & glue job. I'm mad because it was my fault! I had a faulty tuner on the headstock, and just overtightened...just wasn't thinking. I'm just fuzzy on the "best" glue. You mentioned fish glue. I there a brand name? I think I also heard a hot glue. Could you please let me know which best for my particular job, since it's more than just a lifting bridge ? Very much appreciated, Rocko

[@kmack2891]

I too have an Ovation Applause with this problem. I've known of Martin's that lifted, so I know it's not particular to brand, but curious about which glue also.

[@daveyjoweaver5183]

Thank You for the good info! DaveyJO

[@FreeCandyGuy]

Well made video! Showed me enough to know I won't be trying to fix my own guitar. I am sure somebody as already asked but what would you charge for a repair job like this? Closest guitar shop to me is a guitar center and I don't trust those corporate bastards.

[@bluescreekguitars3346]

75 to 125 depending on how much time

[@FreeCandyGuy]

@@bluescreekguitars3346 Thanks for the reply! Just got back from GC and they are asking 150$. Your prices are astounding!

[@kmack2891]

Some of the guys they hire do fine work. They only have to pay the mafia over half what they charge I'm sure. :)

[@lilaeversole2087]

I’m new to this so I have to ask what is Fish Glue?

[@DriftinDoug]

PS, Does the Flyswatter work well with fruitflies? Should I get one for my shop? Please advise.

[@tippie53]

yes bug assault is fun

[@artgallery743]

Is it possible that clamping with too much clamping force could squeeze out too much or all the glue under the clamps therefore causing that area to open or lift?

[@tippie53]

It actually keeps the wood from absorbing the glue so yes you can over clamp. Be firm but not nuts on it

[@sbkmarkel]

Does anyone have a link to the glue and clamps?

[@briansmith2363]

Glenn LaSalle I have a Harmony guitar that is sinking near sound hole I heated area up a little and put some weights on it with some clamps will that fix it? How do you recommend fixing a sink near sound hole?

[@tippie53]

you really may not be able to. These are ladder braced most of the time. Once the top goes in that is from years of stress from the strings. Unless you have loose bracing you really can't undo this unless you loosed and reglue braces. Heat is at best a temporary fix or may cause serious damage. I assume your action is high and your guitar is getting unplayable?

[@briansmith2363]

It is somewhat high needs a neck set but I want fix sink if possible before neck set.

[@briansmith2363]

Glenn LaSalle I took weight of of it and it was a little better so I added a little more heat.

[@unmeshvaity2052]

Sir i really respect and appreciate your work. I have a Classical guitar Admira. The bridge has came upward along with solid top making crac from down the bridge. Hoe could i fix it up?

[@tippie53]

need some pictures you can contact me at blues creek guitars

[@bluescreekguitars3346]

most likely tite bond. It is best to remove the bridge clean the glue and sand the area and reglue. This may be best taken to a shop. You need 3 deep throat C clamps and a proper caul to fit under the bridge.

[@amicrodot]

Hello - I've successfully done this on a 6 string using my carpentry clamps and knox gelatin. Looking at buying a 12 string repair project guitar, with a lifted bridge. From the available photos, it looks like the sound hole and bridge is further apart than my 6 string. Concerned that my clamps wont reach... What type of clamp are you using? Hoping to avoid big money on clamps, for a one off project.

[@tippie53]

I use a 6 in deep throat clamp for regluing

[@amicrodot]

Thanks. Did a little looking around, and looks like Harbor Freight is going to be cheapest way out for a one time use tool.

[@UncleWiggy252]

@6:38 John goes to get the fish glue and poof, the Becks disappears!

[@kmack2891]

I have two guitars that are lifting. What glue do they use on Ovation Applause, and what do they use on LAG? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[@bluescreekguitars3346]

not sure but most likely tite bond or something like that

[@kmack2891]

@@bluescreekguitars3346 So water wont work. What about simply injecting any other low viscosity glue in and clamping it? I wouldn't use crazy glue but perhaps Elmers or any other glue that would this easily with water. Would this be advisable?

[@tippie53]

you can try that but most modern glues need to be removed as it won't stick to old glue. You can try glue and clamp you have a 50 50 chance that it will hold @@kmack2891

[@kmack2891]

@@tippie53 Thanks much. I may give it a try as it hasn't tone yet.

[@shawnmatthews5118]

Where can I get a bridge clamp like yours?

[@tippie53]

we sell them on our website it is called a 6 in deep throat clamp

[@brunoCondor]

Nice job John . Just one question.. How did you knew the bridge was glued with fishglue on the guitar build ? Was it by the specs of the brand or model ,or another way to know ? Titebond don't solve with water of course and better not combine with fishglue then. I build electricguitars and gonna take a chance on acoustic guitar build and tend to use, even on inlays in wood.. Warm boneglue or hazeglue "rabbitglue". Works great on Marquetterie "veneer inlay'' . Would you use that for a bridge ? Thanks. Greetz from Belgium.

[@tippie53]

It was a guitar that Glenn had made and that was the glue that was used. Use heat and deglue goo for removing tite bond. No I would not use rabbit glue.

[@DriftinDoug]

Do you use Beck's beer for finishing mix?

[@tippie53]

it helps to lubricate my elbow

[@leemp337]

anyone know what type of glue was used at the factory? Fender FA-100 Guitar made in china? looking for an honest, experienced answer...not assumptions. thanks for sharing your tips sir!

[@tippie53]

no idea but you may be able to email Fender and ask.

[@SethHolmes]

How can you tell what kind of glue was used?

[@tippie53]

you have to figure that out. Most use tite bond or pva glue. Older guitars may have hhg. Heat will soften glue you can try water and if it feels stick you may have hide glue

[@SynergyCeleste]

If I try this with titebond, which I am told has already been used...what am I in for?

[@tippie53]

it may not hold Tite bond is a curing glue and won't stick to itself The best recourse is to remove the bridge and reglue

[@SynergyCeleste]

@@tippie53 I was afraid of that... Thanks

[@ExNotesRec]

I've found so many good tips on your videos. What happen to the channel?

[@patricwr]

7:25 - “We will talk about glues in the near future”

[@ashevillescarborough]

Thanks! I have a cheap recording king that this is happening to... however I’m not sure of the glue type .. what glue would you use if you don’t know what was used to begin with?

[@tippie53]

tite bond should work

[@rocksimpson4800]

What if the center of the top at the bridge has a lift or slight hump in it? you can see it with a straight edge across the body. Hard to see w/out. Can you Glue the call under the bridge? I sure it would effect the sound tough. The Guitar is a cheapo w/ sentimental value. decent though.

[@tippie53]

the top should have a slight belly , if you lay a straight edge across the top , behind the bridge you don't want to see more than 1/8 in off the sides at the top. Depending how bad the belly is we have to know a few things , A what brace pattern X Ladder , H , Fan etc. Often the belly can be a sign of a loose brace or warped bridge plate. I have repaired a few of these by pulling the bridge and plate. Clamp flat for about 2 weeks reinstall the bridge plate and then reglue the bridge. There really is no one answer but knowing what brace pattern your up against will dictate the direction you may take on the repair.

[@gibsonn14]

I'm sure it was a good repair, but I can't help but notice how rough he is on the guitar. He just carelessly threw the clamps in the sound hole rubbing the steel against the fragile edges of the hole and marked up the top of the bridge with the clamp before putting a shim in there. It may be fine for cheaper guitars but if he treated my Martin like that I would be beyond upset. Maybe that's why I'm starting to learn luthiery myself.

[@froilantangente7391]

I agree with you sir Noah... but expensive or cheap guitar must be treated well, an act of respect to the clients...

[@bluescreekguitars3346]

You need to understand that this is about showing how these things are done. This is not my regular bench and I am concentrating on information and camera angles.

[@gibsonn14]

blues creek guitars ....and?

[@laradresden5914]

How do you know it’s Hyde glue in there?

[@tippie53]

I knew the person that made it and he told me also you learn to ID glues with experience.

[@ljtuggle5067]

I bought a 500 Yamaha It's corner was coming up well I meN I could get A paper in the space know where I could get some app braces thanks for this vid helpful

[@mirko5040]

I would never give my guitar to this man. He’s so... lol

[@chrissantos1342]

Sir need help the belly of my guitar is rising up how can i fix it can’t fine near guitar repair shop

[@bluescreekguitars3346]

sounds like either a RH ( Relative humidiy ) issue or loose brace. If your in a high humidity situation you need to get the guitar to dry out. What year is this guitar?

[@dinasr03]

Tie bond or fish glue to place my bridge back on the guitar? The whole bridge needs to be re-glued

[@tippie53]

you want to get the bridge off and clean out all old glue ,then reglue tite bond or fish glue should do the trick

[@Jeremya74]

What kind of glue???

[@johnhall2795]

on this it was tite bond original I try to match the glue used. so most production is tite bond old vintage is hot hide glue

[@captainvideo2]

Is there a definitive way to know which type of glue was used under a bridge with only one side (entire back side) lifting?

[@tippie53]

not really with martin you may assume hide glue to about 64 PVA and tite bond after that. I have seend many glues used Epoxy , Gorilla glue and super glue are not the best ones to use. There is a special glue used on Martin's X series with HPL

[@captainvideo2]

Thank you for responding, I was afraid of that answer. Lol

[@tippie53]

what brand ? what year ?

[@edmundooliver7584]

you can smell it

[@elicarlton-pearson8945]

Thanks!!

[@1guitarfreak4]

Where do I buy a clamp like that?

[@tippie53]

grizzly tool

[@JamesNewsomeCaiLeighAnna]

@@tippie53 Do you have a part number or maybe a link to the clamps? I've looked on Grizzly and do not see them. Thanks for your help!

[@JoseOrtiz-dw8nk]

Were can i send my guitar to get fixed

[@MollyTheLag]

use google to search "guitar repair" and type the city you live in

[@lucky77strike49]

i might try this method.......i really dont want to have to take the bridge off but its lifting pretty badly on my 12 string!

[@bluescreekguitars3346]

you will need to get the old bridge off and clean off all that old glue first. Then you will have the best chance for a good result. No short cuts here do it right or you won't get it fixed.

[@lucky77strike49]

Hi but you didnt take the bridge off in the video...technically not a bridge repair? you are dead right ofcourse its best to do it properly. I tried to get away with a part repair but it has started to lift again slightly.

[@lucky77strike49]

maybe i needed to use titebond for a botch half repair?!!!! im going to have to take the whole bridge off mine to do it properly,its an old 12 string,alot of tension on the bridge. thanks for helping getting me started and very informative video,ive never done this kind of thing before! had fun getting clamps to fit..

[@tippie53]

you can get me through blues creek guitars get a hold of me there

[@franciscoacosta255]

BECKS!!!! Hell YEAH!!!

[@h7oslo]

Thank you for the nice video presentation ! ...fish glue, huh? Ok, if you say so... I will follow your advice. Best rc

[@LaSalle.ToneWorks]

+Rusty Case Be sure if you don't know what glue was used originally to get as much of the old glue out as possible before reglueing. If you know your dealing with tite bond that has to get the old glue out. Hide glue or fish glue can be reglued .

[@h7oslo]

..Thank you, Glenn. The projects I am working on were built by that great manufacturing giant in the east. I doubt much titebond is sold there. Anyhow, they are practice projects, for me to learn with... rc

[@townnet]

Hi, can i use super glue?

[@tippie53]

Nope. CA on spruce will stain but with glue under the bridge if you don't get that out CA will fail .

[@DriftinDoug]

Only a veteran luthier could distinguish between the need to simply add glue, or remove and replace. Alas, that's not me... yet.

[@cosmicway4048]

What is that intro song

[@LaSalle.ToneWorks]

Just a little Ditty I made up.

[@cosmicway4048]

Glenn LaSalle I'd love to play that,sounds like it would be great hand exercise

[@maazahmedpoke]

what if the entire bridge is coming out?

[@tippie53]

then you need to reglue it. Be sure to get the old glue off. Is this a classical or steel string ? Use a good caul under the top to avoid distorting it

[@maazahmedpoke]

+john hall Thank you! It's as steel string acoustic guitar.

[@thomastommy1192]

That bridge won't hold very long. You are still leaving water under there. It is sad you can't get those large clamps. In a heavy solid plastic.

[@mboyer68]

You re dissolve the glue. Dissolve - to become liquid form. Another term is re-flow. Like in solder pastes, you re-flow.solder to do a circuit board repair.

[@laradresden5914]

Intro toooo looong!!!

[@LaSalle.ToneWorks]

You can always fast forward... :-)

[@rocksimpson4800]

Can I Please Have A BECK'S big guy?

[@tippie53]

stop in

[@pinballrobbie]

if there is polish under the bridge where it has lifted then surely the glue will not bond with any strength!

[@tippie53]

you mean finish under the bridge. You are correct you want to be sure you have good wood to wood contact there are other reasons that can cause a lifting bridge. Warping , poor gluing technique . Take your time and look at the details of what happened.

[@headknocker8999]

14:15 Had this had been titebond I would have had to take this off and "do it right" Note: Drinking Grolsch to get strap retainers

[@tippie53]

the drying glues like Hot Hide and fish glue can be reglued curing glues like Tite bond and Elmers need to be pulled cleaned to get a good result.

[@lerrynhawke3375]

Mmmm becks..

[@yoheff988]

Too bad the videos are in such a horrible quality