How To Fix Loose Guitar Bridge Posts And Bushings. Sharpen My Axe

[@jasonenglisch2547]

Thanks! I have this exact problem and my local shop wanted to sell me a new bridge, etc. so a fraction of the money they wanted I am sending you in thanks for this and all the other helpful, newbie friendly content you provide. :)

[@raymondjiii]

I fail to see how replacing the bridge is going to fix this problem. I'm thinking the new bridge is going to have the same gap problem?

[@jim.missywyant.kennedy2334]

I don't know if I speak for anyone else but these are exactly the type of tips that I benefit from. Thanks for sharing your years of experience with us Phil, it's really quite priceless. Peace!

[@bainr6856]

This EXACT problem is happening to one of my guitars. Thanks, Phil!

[@socialdef3]

Did you do this to your guitar? How is it now??

[@jimfischer5670]

Incoming neccro post. Just got a used Washburn N2 yesterday and the trem posts were loss. This was just the video I need! Thank Phil !

[@bilanggoboy]

I love how despite your close friendship with Paul Reed Smith, you don’t shy away from pointing out any issues on this SE guitar. I have the exact same issue with my SE: the post is bending forward and making the strings buzz like a sitar. I think it’s because of the soft wood they used. I hope this fixed my problem too.

[@Maybeprobablynot]

Thanks Phillip! Using this to re-set the bushings in a Jack Casady bass that pulled out when I strung it up. The Gibson 3-point is truly a nightmare of a bridge design

[@henryhunter5026]

Great idea! I’ve got a couple of Epiphones with loose posts, I’ll give it a try, it’s a lot easier than filling and re-drilling.

[@humbertoalejandroperezfari8418]

Awesome video, Phill Who else would like to see a tour of Phill's shop?

[@wesleyAlan9179]

Humberto Alejandro Perez Farias ...me!

[@voltagevillain7342]

Humberto Alejandro Perez Farias I would!

[@BiGCyCl0n3]

I have a BC Rich Warlock with this issue. I am so glad that I came across this video. I have been trying to figure out for years how to fix it, but never wanted to take the guitar apart because I was afraid of destroying it. Thank you for making this video. I can now repair my Warlock and play it again.

[@socialdef3]

Did it work?

[@BiGCyCl0n3]

@@socialdef3 I have done the repair, but I have also been staining the neck, so I have not been able to put string tension on it yet. However, I think it will be fine once I get strings on it.

[@gerryloughran1676]

Top tips short and sweet ...perfect thanks (good to see someone still got use for newspapers !)

[@philipotero4464]

I saw thos video days before I was going to buy a drill press to fix this issue on my Epiphone SG. Your video saved my SG and my sanity. It worked like a charm. The bushing sits perfectly now.

[@ThunderFalcon333]

Phil is the best repair tech ive ever seen.

[@socialdef3]

Update: I could not get my hands on any newspaper so went for masking tape, I cut out an appropriate size of tape for the insert and did just a bit over one wrap, nice and snug. Then I applied the wood glue to the sides of the inside of the hole with a Q-tip and did the same to the insert. Now that both adhering surfaces were covered with wood glue, I placed the insert in the hole and hammered lightly. I will let it set over night, place some vaseline on the studs and lower the tailpiece all the way down to avoid any further issues. Of course, since the tailpiece will be all the way down, I'll finally get to try the top-wrap method! Thanks so much for this video once again.

[@raymondjiii]

I'm going to try this. I was going to use epoxy to set the damn thing. But using the paper and wood glue glue is pure genius!

[@flyingwondercat739]

Thank you so much, exact same problem on my PRS SE Bernie Marsden. For made in Korea it has 1/2" bridge posts... Bought a new bridge, pulled the old posts out, and realized my new bridge posts were too small! Old posts go back in and the bass-side post is super loose. The treble-side post went back in tight because of the bridge ground wire being wedged in there. I'll try this trick, might use a bit less glue so I have a chance of pulling it back out later :)

[@MrAllstar]

Just one point that hasn't been made clear in the video - to lock the paper onto the bushing it needs to extend past the bottom chamfer/lip. That ensures the paper is locked onto the bushing as you hammer it in, if you don't do that most of the paper doesn't hammer down with the bushing and just clumps up at the top. Also you can roll the paper on dry and then just add a bit of glue under the flap and then rub it on all over the outside, that makes it easier to wrap the paper nice and tight.

[@stihlsavvy666]

Doing it this way will also be a lesser headache for when there is the possibility of having to remove it in future as the glue will be minimal between the stud and paper and more so between the wood and paper.

[@BuddhafulSam]

thanks, it wasn't 100% clear if the wood glue was applied to the outside of the paper to affix to the guitar or the inside to hold it on the bushing. So a small amount on the inside, and over all of the outside and then insert, and hammer in gently until flat.

[@driptopher7222]

I've found that I can just coat the inside of the post hole in a light layer of wood glue, let it dry, then pound the post in. No paper necessary.

[@MrAllstar]

@@driptopher7222 That's a good one, that'll do the same thing but with less faffing.

[@official_VinnybKing]

Excellent Tip Phillip!!! I bought a new TonePros bridge for my Epiphone Les Paul Jr and the bridge post were just a tad bit smaller .....Obviously I found you with this excellent tip but I used legal pad paper ...seems to have worked just fine THANK YOU BROTHER

[@andrewdimartino7426]

I love the tech tips videos! Please do one on neck shims! When do you need them? How do you find the right size shim? How do you properly install one? That'd be an awesome video!

[@elbass0]

This!

[@randolphpatterson5061]

A bolt on neck needs a shim, if & when the action is still too high after the bridge has been lowered as much as possible. Another related aspect is that sometimes lowering the bridge to achieve decent action results in the strings contacting the pickups while the pickups are as low as they can be adjusted. That's another indication that you need to shim the neck. You try to go for a happy medium of sorts. A workable neck angle allows the strings to be adjusted for optimal string action on the frets, while allowing the bridge to be raised enough so that the strings don't contact the pickups, and that the bridge itself isn't raised to anywhere near the limit of its height. Almost any hard material can be used as a shim. Often, the only way of determining the ideal neck angle on a particular instrument is by tediously unstringing & restringing, while experimenting with different thicknesses of shim material. You can often just loosen the strings without removing them from either the tuners or from the bridge/tailpiece, to save lots of time. Each time it's unstrung, the neck is removed and a shim is installed, then the neck is reattached to the body, the instrument is restrung & tuned to pitch, and the results are evaluated. You want to see that the bridge isn't so high that it's barely threaded into the threaded bushing inserts, while the strings have sufficient clearance above the pickups, and also while the string action can be set to a comfortable height. Check your neck relief while the strings are tuned to pitch and make sure it's the right amount for you. Because if you wait until after you do the shim testing, you may need to start all over when the relief is set. So, check & adjust the neck relief first. To help avoid confusion while trying out different shims, it's a good idea to begin with the thinnest shim and work your way up through the thicker sizes as your evaluation dictates. It's not usually necessary to use a full size tapered shim, a small flat strip of material placed at the end of the neck pocket nearest the bridge is generally regarded as sufficient, and typically no tonal or structural deficiencies will result. The shim can be secured in position in the neck pocket with a couple small strips of frog tape, or you can secure it in place with a tiny drop of glue, if you prefer. There are also numerous examples of shims that aren't secured at all, the crafter simply exercised care to not move the shim out of position when installing the neck. You can now buy tapered, full size shims in a choice of several different angle configurations, because StewMac is always trying to invent something we've done without for hundreds of years that they can convince us we need to buy. One word of caution, be gentle each time you secure the neck bolts, you don't want to strip them & thus add to your project workload. I hope these tips help.

[@scottherzog9359]

Wow, Phillip you actually saved X~mass 2023. . . thank you.

[@dalepal]

That’s a nice and easy solution to avoid plugging the hole with a dowel and drilling. Please keep these tech tips coming.

[@chuckaluckbuckaluck1081]

Just wanted to let it be known, even though I saw this video when it came out, I am back here tonight (3 weeks later) to review as I am about to solve this problem on a late 70s Ibanez Single-cut LP Copy. Its been done so dirty by previous owner that its not in like collector condition.. but it's a cool-coming-along-player. So far I have been able to teach myself some new stuff as far as repairs go.. I keep unearthing things to do and it's fun. That could be a blog post though. BUT... Phil, I trust the hell out of you. Any time I put any of your advice into what I am doing the results are THAT MUCH BETTER. I am stuck between generations here, where I feel the need to pay you articulate compliments, but the part of me is urged to just throw all eloquence to the wind and just say "Phil, you the GOAT!" Either way, Thanks to you... I know my gear.

[@RikkiRockit05]

Watched this. Did it the next day to my trouble guitar. IT WORKED! Thank you!

[@socialdef3]

Hello. I am looking to do this to my guitar but was wondering what the long term results were. How did your guitar end up until now?

[@TimothyCookUSMCRetired]

Thanks. I bought a used Epi LP Junior with this problem. I recently have been getting into guitar repair and thought I was going to have to fill and redrill. I can't wait to try this easy fix.

[@rallypoint1]

Cool! I have used 600grit sandpaper wrapped around a loose tuner bushing. The grit side holds well against the wood.

[@hobbyknight9962]

Thank you Phil for all you do. I enjoy your tech tips a lot. In fact your tech tips is how I found your channel back around 70k subs.

[@warrenxiii6721]

I was just about to string my SG and realized I have this exact problem. Gonna be getting the glue and doing this repair soon. Thanks for the great video

[@georgemam4804]

I just faced this problem, thank you so much for this video!!!

[@druchumley4571]

Just discovered this issue on my Epi 335. You, sir, are a lifesaver. Add one subscriber. Many thanks.

[@kevinpaul1719]

This is what you do best. Thank you and I always watch your videos of genius.

[@ShaneWoodard-q2l]

Perfect 👍. Fixing my loose Epiphone Les Paul tail piece now. Appreciate the straight forward tutorial!

[@kennethskaggs2832]

Thank you very much for the tip ! I know that this a problem 3 point bass bridges on Epiphones. I am going to do this right now. Thanks Brother!

[@TheSeanCreagh]

I had the same issue. I just used paper tape and it worked like a charm! :)

[@pizzaROX]

Thanks man! Great explanation on everything as to how and why youre doing what you did.

[@AM2PMReviews]

you the man PHIL! Being in Arizona made mine shrink after I put a new bridge on it too.

[@anthonynicosia2652]

What about the ground wire inside the post hole? I’m currently updating my ‘79 HONDO 740 and need to do this. Better way to ground everything? Can’t use the bridge or stop bar holes. Too big for newer pieces.

[@megamanx8939]

YOU GOTA LOVE Phillip McKnight!

[@BK-lx5mo]

What about the ground wire on a TOM tailpiece? Attach it under the paper?

[@Acroanidd]

paper is a very good choice, i wouldn't have thought of it, but any kind of wood pulp based products would work if they are thin enough but just thick enough to fit whatever gap. On my Ibanez I had an issue where the button for the strap wasn't staying in place because for whatever reason the hole was drilled to wide from the factory. I grabbed some match sticks and some wood glue and it's fitting like a glove now.

[@rondelio8562]

Hey, Phil, I , too, live in AZ and started building kit axes about a year ago and LOVE it!! One kit was a 335 and today, when I arrived at school to teach music, I saw that one ABR-1 tailpiece stud was about 1/2 out of the body! Thanks for offering a great, simple way to fix this issue! If you ever come by Cochise County, please look me up. :-)

[@scottraycraft1885]

Great idea...but what about the grounding wire on the post closest to the electronics cavity

[@peacemakerrockwi]

Did you ever get an answer to this grounding question? This is my reservation about trying this fix on both of my bushings.

[@stylgen]

This is super useful. I'm was trying to diagnose the same problem with my Squier 2-point bridge. Thanks for this!

[@caniswolf3394]

I've seen this happen to a lot of guitars with this similar style of bridge. Thanks 4 this.

[@louiswagner443]

Awesome tip! I never would have thought of that, and it looks super easy.

[@scotty1time]

Thank you very much! Literally the same thing happened to a post in my guitar just now as I tried restringing after installing some better floyd rose hardware. Korean guitar that's been in Colorado drying out.

[@michellegare2894]

It just happended to me, and the solution was right here! Fixed it right away. Great tip! Thanks, Phil.

[@MGWGuitars]

Just one question: what about the ground wire on the other post? (If it was the loose one hypothetically speaking). Doesn't the paper kill that connection to the metal?

[@AlbusBand]

I’m sure it’s a lifetime of trial & error, but man I enjoy these little tips.

[@socialdef3]

Phil thank you so much, this exact same thing is happening to my Epiphone SG! On the forums, I've been told to use epoxy or wood filler + sawdust to fill in the sides before placing the insert back in. I want a permanent solution but the epoxy I had was unusable. Unfortunately I can't get my hands on wood filler or sawdust so I want to try this method!

[@JenMickeySpitz]

Really helpful! Thanks for detailing how to repair the stud.

[@noisetape8405]

thanks so much for this. i bought a used LP Special (Japan copy) that came with wraparound style bridge which has the exact problem like this. very helpful. have a great day sir!

[@edatkinson322]

Got to do this on my Harley Benton DC Custom. Thx for the tip Phil 👍

[@coleschweitzer4851]

Thanks Phil, Just what I needed to fix a new guitar I just received and now I don't need to send it back for repair. Love the videos man keep up the good work 👍🎸😎

[@cyb3r3vil30]

Funny just noticed my explorer doing this and thought oh god how am I going to fix this Thank you so much for doing this video it's my second favorite guitar I've ever had saved by Phillip

[@toddknaster9731]

Hi Phil, awesome tip which I have the same issue with my guitar so perfect that I found this. Can you please confirm that you tapped the bushing in as soon as you wrapped it and while the titebond was still wet. Also any tip for removing a tuner peg hole bushing/grommet ( not sure of the correct name). I am replacing vintage Kluson style tuners Thanks!

[@josephmcdonald6684]

Amazing man. Love the video. Always had a passion for guitar especially since my father was a drummer in a band in the 80s but i never had the money to do so . now with 12 guitars later i absorb this stuff at every chance. Really didn't want to redrill on my gibson sg maestro.. You saved my sanity. Thank you.

[@stepvanjoe3469]

Great tip Phil, keep 'em coming

[@josemarrero9979]

How would you ground the post with the newspaper around it?

[@cgavin1]

iirc the bridge stud is grounded the tp is grounded by being connected in circuit with the bridge.. via the strings.

[@ColinStuart]

Seems to back up things that I've done all my life. I guess I might know more that I give myself credit for. I still enjoy seeing you share your knowledge!

[@robinbebbington7063]

Adding the glue is essential otherwise it just pulls out easily. I wish I had seen this a few months back as I ended up using superglue to hold my posts in when building a kit guitar. By test fitting the posts I think it opened the holes a bit too much and then had this problem when finishing it off. This is a much better method as you can replace posts later on if needed but I would hate to see what would happen to my body if I tried pulling mine out. Thanks Phil

[@andreaskragh9464]

Won't the glue stop the grounding?

[@andreikaportsev6684]

Thanks for the video. I fixed loose bridge bushings on my cheap Epi this way today using decorator's masking tape - worked a treat, let's see how long it lasts! :)

[@socialdef3]

Hello, I need to do this to my Epiphone SG tailpiece as well. Did you use glue as well?

[@andreikaportsev6684]

@@socialdef3 No, I have not added any extra glue - the tape was sticky enough to hold itself wrapped around the bushing.

[@bakstabbath]

Never heard of that trick before. Thanks for sharing, Phil.

[@charliethegent]

Cool tip man. A quick tip troubleshooting series like this would be awesome going fwd

[@passionplayer7]

Thanks so much Phil! Exact isssue I was having with my Charvel DK24 2PT, same one you have. I saw someone else have the same issue with the same guitar, Mexico to Sweetwater to Houston I guess was too much humidity change perhaps? You saved me tons of time and anguish, thanks again!

[@rarestpepe8835]

I have completly loose one in Gibson SG Faded from 2008. Definetly trying with newspaper but maby without a glue.

[@forestgreenman]

Just the fix I need! Thanks Phil!

[@mdominic]

I have a brand new Gibson 335 and this happens when I was adjusting the action. Sweetwater is taking it back (it had other issues as well).

[@turbo1234ist]

Thank you Phil, I have the same problem on a guitar I have. I was wondering what to do, this solves most of my problem.

[@nellax8314]

I just had this problem Phil you have every video I need thank you my friend ❤

[@mauricerrr]

I really like these videos. Would love to see how you level and crown frets!

[@peterkelly59]

Once again a very informative and productive video, keep them coming Phill, Cheers from Down Under.

[@AdamCantalupo]

I have to do this on a parts guitar I’m working on. I tried to scroll through the comments as to not ask the same thing but didn’t see anything, it’s a TOM style bridge and the strings are through the body. I’ll need to run a ground wire to the bridge post. Any insight on how I can still ground the bridge if I wrap it? Thanks

[@goncaloalmeida9853]

What about the grounding wire? How do you connect it to the tailpiece if now it's covered in paper?

[@anthonynicosia2652]

My question as well.

[@damianp3305]

That's good question and main reason why I wouldn't use paper. I have same issue and decided to go with aluminium tape. In the next days I will test it. I will wrap it around bushing and to be sure I will check continuity between tape and bridge. If good I will give it a go. Alternative solution I read over internet is to use CA glue on the hole to slightly decrease hole diameter and then install bushing - but this should work only for small loose. Also with this method installation of ground wire wouldn't be an issue.

[@pinetopthomas4100]

I bought an old 80s Westone guitar for $10. This guitar has a number of things that need to be fixed, which is why I bought it to learn how to make my own guitar repairs, but it doesn't have this problem anymore. Thanks Phil!. BTW, are these old 80s Westone guitars worth anything? I heard that they were very popular in their day.

[@meanodaddyo1057]

That was a great tip and just what I was looking for! Thank you!

[@elbik95]

Man i'm loving this tips, AWESOME job Phil

[@moparbryan]

I’ve done the same thing with fine sawdust and tightbond it’s less about the shim and more about giving the glue something to fill in and bite too

[@droogii1142]

Love these vids with little tips and hacks to get your axe back in action. Thanks for taking the time to do them.

[@orlandovflores]

Great video. I inherited an EPI 335 and both the bridge and tailpiece posts were coming up. Going to try this out this weekend!

[@davidwhisenant5328]

This video is a lifesaver, awsome, thank you🎸

[@rambodumbo]

Such a great tip! I have this problem with my guitar, though I am fearing mine is a tad more severe. I have a floating bridge that has made the pegs sort of push the wood to the one side. Its only pushed at the top of the hole so im going to give this a try. If it does not work i think I'll have to fill it and redrill :| sick tip

[@1Dcorace]

Nice repair. You probably improved the tone transfer too.

[@dykeneuk]

Going to do this very thing today. Great tip.

[@richardblake6676]

I like this fix it’s simple and works.

[@electrojazz14]

just great thanks

[@Rickholly74]

I agree with others here. Nice short and very useful video. Keep them coming.

[@ljgaines8170]

Hey there Phillip always enjoy your videos brother I recently acquired my brother that has passed away guitar which is a Hondo II and trying to put another Bridge Post in they anchors are too small for the hole the bridge that was originally on there was missing somehow or another first of all is the ground if you know hooked up to the post anchors secondly could I do the paper thing with it cuz the whole is quite a bit bigger or do I need to put a dowel in and drill it out thanks brother stay safe and well and that's for your whole family as well as you keep the videos coming always appreciate your input

[@Choowy]

This literally just happened to my Floyd Rose on my 97 Strat that I just picked up yesterday. Glad its an easy fix whew

[@DirtyTractorDr]

I like. I recently have become highly interested in repairing/customizing guitars and other gear. Thanks for the vid.

[@cgavin1]

fine sawdush mixed with titebond smeared in the hole works too and a bit less messy.

[@justinwinslow8614]

Thanks Phil, I'm new to your channel (about 2 week now) I love all you have done. Lots of great tips. You have helped me learn in a short time how to make my cheap guitars sound amazing. I have a bc rich mockingbird with this same problem! Thank you so much!

[@brunodelandev]

Exactly the issue tha i have on a Custom 77 china girl (SG junior). Thanks for the tips.🤟

[@1961jscofield]

Nice tip. I have an SE with that same bridges, good to know if I ever have that issue as well.

[@Papa_O.A.M]

Your the man Phil! Keep these coming! Ive been playing guitar for a little over 2 years now and have started to build my collection of guitars, amps, pedals, and etc. These videos help me so much with good quality and cheap fixes that save me time and money, which I love. Keep up the great work and thanks very much for helping fellow musicians with all that knowledge and know how of yours!

[@chadwickpainter8212]

Well done. Another great vid and excellent tip. Thanks for all you do mate. Always a pleasure to watch your stuff.

[@reviewersrevival5408]

Thank you! Me thinks I’ll need to do this little trick to my old Epiphone Sheraton II.

[@jefb3705]

I usually take 1-3 pieces of wire from an extra piece of stranded wire that I have laying around. It is big enough to keep it in place, and small enough to not make it impossible to take back out if need be. Plus no glue to deal with.

[@socialdef3]

What kind of wire exactly? Or did you mean thin guitar string?

[@nathanmcdermott4098]

Love these videos Phil!

[@alexblankenship2486]

Please release the how to fix raised grain on fretboard video! Looking forward to fixing mine! Thanks!

[@drkoontz]

Enjoy all you videos!

[@deanboca12]

Had the same problem with my Dean Boca 12 after installing flat wounds. Brought it in to Dean's service center in Tampa. They replaced the guitar. It's possible that the hole was not quite perpendicular. They advised me not to use flat wounds as their tension was too high for the stop tail. I suppose I could always get a trapeze tailpiece.

[@bluesrocker91]

I had a similar problem with the ferrules coming loose in the back of a Telecaster. I fixed it in basically the same way, but using masking tape and without any glue.

[@socialdef3]

Was it a permanent fix?