Problem: a WaRpEd guitar top!

www.stewmac.com/
High action turned out to be a symptom of trouble for this guitar. The owner felt the strings were a little high. Taking a closer look, Dan Erlewine finds that the bridge is just about to pop off! A hump had formed under the bridge, and Dan comes up with an interesting solution.
Thanks to our friend Dakota Dave Hull for his music in this video.
If you have questions, please contact us through our webpage www.stewmac.com/email or visit our Facebook page / stewmac
For more information on tools and parts:
Acoustic Bridge for Martin
www.stewmac.com/4921.html
Precision Straightedge
www.stewmac.com/3850.html
Teflon Fret Dam
www.stewmac.com/0487.html
3M Stikit Sandpaper
www.stewmac.com/5767.html
StewMac Ultimate Scraper
www.stewmac.com/5767.html
Behlen Ground Hide Glue
www.stewmac.com/0669.html

[@notanotherreviewer.]

That bridge pop-out bit, hilarious.

[@satchboogie2058]

+notanotherreviewer Agreed :)

[@droonkeler6032]

+notanotherreviewer Tbh I almost sh*t myself when that happened haha

[@FollowingFollowers]

Nicely played!

[@MichaelLloyd]

+1 I literally jumped when it popped off :D

[@HannePrins]

notanotherreviewer uuuyyyomqk k. M KM.

[@eNosArmory]

Dan represents everything that is good about KZbin... taking the skills you have learned through years of doing what you love and sharing it with world one video at a time.

[@cast390]

Keep in mind this is an add for stewmac, nothing more.

[@Jeronimo.67]

Your comment is a bit off. It is a lot more than that, both inspirational and educational delivered with humour and seasoned expertise. He even uses handmade tools and simple methods you can do at home without spending on tools.

[@PA28140]

Dynamic Prepper Yes, and the bridge popping off was pretty funny too....

[@ClearReception]

cast390 It's ad, and it really is more than just an ad.

[@tysonrinker5958]

@@cast390 haha it's more than just an add. You can tell Dan has a real passion.

[@FretFriendLaGR]

How can even one person dislike anything about Dan Erlewine? I wouldn't run a guitar repair shop without finding this man on KZbin and his video's / books are my 'go to' media if I need help!

[@simongosimon]

The popping bridge scared me a bit

[@DonCrowder]

"Back In The Saddle Again" after tweaking the saddle. :) I love nerd humor. You da man Dan!

[@tiny11231]

I can't play guitar, but I'm fascinated on how you fix them. Im addicted to all of your videos. Binge watched them all! LOL

[@thelowmein9143]

RalphMalf me TOO! I own a few and doodle around, but I find the craftsmanship of a luthier fascinating. I want to learn to do this kind of stuff as much or more than learning to play.

[@rRobertSmith]

You should watch the violin repair videos also, very much the same only the repairs are (usually) more expensive.

[@bobsullivan5714]

RalphMalf, I can't play either....But because of people like Dan who are taking the time to share their guitar skills, I bought a cheap guitar and began my studies. I might even build a guitar.....Looks like fun!

[@lancethrustworthy]

You are not alone. I too am a non-guitar player...but I'm going to change that. I've ordered a very cheap T style guitar. We both enjoy watching someone do something well. Almost all of us enjoy doing that.

[@bobareeniobobareenio2935]

Dan Erlewine is a true Luthier and a gentleman! I once wanted to contact him with a question and he was gracious and honest in his reply. What a great guy!

[@fuerlingerp]

Damn , that bridge pop off scared the crap outta me!

[@robertpearce1356]

That bridge pop is pure gold!

[@DragonCrestPC]

These videos never get old, great job as always!

[@whatwouldhousedo5136]

I could watch Dan Erlewine work all day. Master craftsman.

[@larrykeilman]

I learn something new every time I watch a Stew Mac video, AND I thoroughly enjoy Dan's approach to his work!

[@thrasherx9319]

It is always great to see a master at work

[@P3696]

i swear your videos are becoming better each time a new one is released :)

[@takl23]

This gentleman reminds me of my grandfather. He had a tool for every job you could imagine and was a fix it genius.

[@jackbarlow4104]

Thanks, Dan! I enjoy seeing these videos. All the best to you!

[@inspectionnegross8695]

Stew..it's so neat seeing you take such care and showing your great skills!

[@johnnymitnick]

Thanks for helping us be handy with our guitars. I love my Martin had it for so many years and your videos are helping me take care of him. Great videos again thanks

[@davidjeremiahmullins3548]

I can not believe how much I enjoy these videos......

[@BAJARACER43X]

I dont get why other guitar techs and luthiers rag on this guy, i think hes awesome

[@DelTangBrav]

It's a thing called "Jealousy" - he is one of only a few YouTubists I'd trust with any of my guitars.

[@officialmetalwill]

Because he is good at his job, he is honest, and he doesn't have an ego. There are too many "It's my way or the highway" guys out there and Dan is a "I'm going to show you how I do it, just my two cents" type of person.

[@benstein3014]

I used to apprentice under a very well known luthier/tech in NYC who's demeanor was very much like Dan's, The 2 of them crossed paths numerous times and he always told me that dan was the nicest and most genuine guy he'd ever met, as well as the BEST in the business. Tells you how a true professional will talk about the best..the guys who would dare rag on Dan are the hacks of the world.

[@relentlessmadman]

DelTangBrav Amen!

[@zacharytomes5202]

BAJARACER43X They rag on him because of the stuff Stew-Mac sells. Every video is a commercial for their products (Theres nothin wrong with that though)

[@adriankirk4644]

I love to watch the skill from a master of his craft.

[@ClintE55]

I recently discovered this Chanel after having my banjo repaired. And I may give some of this a try. I ready enjoy the craftsmanship.

[@Danielsobotta]

could watch your Instructionals for hours. ... nice guy with fantastic knowlegde!!!

[@scoutrifle6827]

If Dan had been my teacher in school, I would have actually learned something! Super-valuable instruction here.

[@jimdavis8804]

I love watching you. A gentle giant in my book. A true professional.

[@dominicsovereign4020]

Yet another great video by Dan

[@liampezzano]

This man is a national treasure.

[@davidasher22]

I had to rewind that bridge popping off part. Dan’s sense of humor is classic!

[@herringbone72]

Perfect lesson in working smart and not overcomplicating a repair project. Well done.

[@lestergeez4349]

Great info! Exactly what I needed to know for the repair I'm about to do. Thanks 😊

[@Meursault86]

I like you. Your videos are extremely helpful and packed with good useful applicable information and the touch of humor was very tasteful. You seem like someone who would be great to work with/for.

[@mikenixon4637]

My favorite guitar restoration channel.

[@karlssonet]

I love those videos that you from Stewart McDonald put up!!! I work on guitars myself, but not at that level, and it's so inspiring to see how good craftsmanship it is when you're putting hands on a guitar, and witch tools you’re using!!! In fact, made myself copies of many of those tools seen here! Best Regards Tobias Karlsson in Sweden

[@SteveOLive88]

Thank you for being willing to share your knowledge it is a big help

[@allstellar]

Wow, as a stew mac client on the electric guitar side... This is simply awesome for my martin that has this issue..

[@CAVERN1234]

You Sir are a true craftsman, I send my best wishes from Liverpool England.

[@AlanKaruzo]

I learned a lot from your videos! A lot of information and very useful explanation.

[@chonch_burger]

Loved that bridge popping off haha cool video, thankyou sir.

[@JoshuaC923]

What an amazing repair job

[@ThePivotCreaters]

Wow, Dan has some great humor, and great knowledge too

[@savatele]

Thanks for everything... I don't have a word to describe how much you are great... In every case... WOW!

[@jeremyb251]

How are there 39 dislikes? This man is a pro in his profession and is as sweet a man as can be. I know there are millions of assholes out there but for sure there are 39.

[@wesmatron]

I don't even own any masking tape, but I'm still watching

[@CosmoLupertazzi]

Nice job, Dan!I should send you my HD-28L ... Martin does inadequate work on these types of things, then tells me to send it out to a local guy! Who did the trick!

[@Jeronimo.67]

Cool trick Dan!

[@ydontyougoeatadick]

I don't even know anything about guitars, but I can't stop myself from watching these videos.

[@charlieniner1552]

Excellent video. I like this sort of thing and its always informative. The tips from fixing guitars are also useful when fixing cars - clamping, gluing etc

[@ellg5278]

I leaned so much by watching these videos. StewMac tools are great but expensive.

[@IAmKillEveryone]

Great video as always.

[@TheRandyguitarrista]

Awesome video!!

[@Metldragon]

Alright, I fell for the bridge flying off there for a few seconds, cause I've seen it happen in person. Well played. lol

[@TheManglerPolishDeathMetal]

this guy is pure gold !!!

[@coffindancer38]

Absolutely brilliant! How do you take a belly out of a flat top behind the bridge? After using steam, humidity bag, and clamps, i finally used clamps and a folded up towel, and deliberately broke the inside bracing loose, and reglued the bracing with clamps inside, while i clamped the belly flat. A bit drastic but the guitar came out fine. Lol

[@RainRedMusic]

Okay I’ll admit, you got me with the bridge pop.

[@MarsRestorations]

Thank you I'm learning a lot.

[@Carrs-strum-stop]

I have watched a few of your videos and they are all clear, helpful and humorous! Thank you for all of your invaluable guidance. I have one question though: when would you use this method vs. a bridge doctor vs. belly reducing cauls? I see how the different methods work but am struggling to understand the applications and pros/cons of each.

[@AbsoluteAbsurd]

Lmao i love the start “just kiddin’” 0:27

[@nathysilvio]

To watch your videos help me to relax Thanks a lot

[@crimsonfancy]

Fascinating! Thank you

[@musicbymark]

I had a badly warped Croatian tamburitza and put the sandpaper (abrasive face up) directly on the bridge location and sanded the bridge to conform on location (w/ short wiggling strokes). I can envision a hybrid of both of our methods, sanding bridge directly on instrument just enough to remove chalk & reveal exact needed shape for your teflon piece; this would allow applying more pressure during sanding than my method.

[@geofkane2365]

What a tradesman! I jumped when the saddle went pop!

[@joemedley195]

I do straight up carpentry. I watch these for ideas I can transfer. Even without that, I’d still really watching a real pro do his work. It is a pleasure.

[@Buelligan88]

I could watch these videos all day. I guess I will.

[@ALtheDoctorWho]

Great Video Thanks dan

[@ErosNicolau]

My first ever guitar repair job (the one that kindled my passion for this art): re-fitting the half-unglued bridge on my old SS dreadnought...

[@sincerusone]

This was so good! Tks so much! exactly the issue I am facing with an old Emperador. Bridge is way up and glue released, and the guitar face has warped slightly over time. Notes taken. Hey Im only a few years late getting here! hahaha.

[@daleskidmore1685]

Nice one Dan.

[@el34glo59]

What is this some sort of wizardry with that bridge trick? Haha good stuff man

[@j_wah3084]

Wish there were more people making videos like this one.

[@3dsman]

Another education in Sir Dan's school!! Thanks!!

[@70M80]

If ever there were a symbol of a fulfilling life, Dan is just that. I don't even play guitar and I love these videos. Thanks for the knowledge and laughs! Love your passion.

[@70M80]

Let alone build them!

[@tommypetraglia4688]

It's like an ASMR put-your-mind-at-ease videos. Now I'm ready for bed

[@orisguitars7315]

Love the sanding jig

[@arsaeterna4285]

Thee videos make me really happy I wish I had a job where I could fix things with my hands, make things

[@jrsmoots]

I love these videos!

[@MetalMayhem1978]

Dan, you are the master sir!!

[@michaelpthompson]

LOVE Dan Earlewine! ❤

[@irishwanderer4206]

Alot of folks don't like stew mac because of the tool prices but I must say they don't talk crap and they know alot.

[@STEAMBOLTANNIE]

WHEN THE BRIDGE POPPED MY VIDEO STOPPED AND SO DID MY HEART I WATCHED IT AGAIN AND MADE A NEW FRIEND HEY DAN IM SO GLAD YOUR SO SMART

[@michaelhalstead7532]

This man is amazing when working on guitar's

[@SlickD217]

Master at work

[@guitarflyer172]

My soul left my body when that bridge popped up!

[@johnernest492]

Awesome! God bless you

[@sexycheeseburgernameisfort8320]

Dan has that ole Johnny cash sounding voice Light and low and soft but smooth and calm

[@nikolaki]

There seems to be a stew mac tool for everything. Ultimate scraper 😆

[@sanches2]

an awesome video sir! :)

[@CocoKoi321]

Dan has that nice old soft voice just like Johnny Cash when singing though i think i like Dan more: )

[@zachdods]

This man is like a fine wine

[@STRUMMERBOY1975]

Hi Dan ! haha..Love your Work and your Humor ! :)

[@NoyzyBoyZ3]

Awesome!

[@Cromfeld]

Nice one!

[@LawrenceThokeyJR]

Calming voice

[@thetrulydisturbed1]

I have a Mitchell acoustic that is about 4 years old now and I want to know if there is a way to lower the action on the guitar with limited resources available to me. I tend to use 11-10 gauge di’adario phosphorus bronze strings so I know that the neck hasn’t been under as much stress as it would with standard 12 gauge and have had the neck adjusted once before.

[@Pgcmoore]

you could also carefully double tape the sand paper to the guitar top and use it as your sanding block, and move the work parallel to the string direction to get a perfect matched surface ;)

[@68pishta68]

Sir. The bracing on my Mandolin has come loose. I was able to glue and clamp through the factory electric pickup hole (that hole cut through the braces!) but its just not up to the task anymore with the string tension. Can I put a violin type strut in there under the sagging brace bar? Would a solid support between the top and bottom ruin the sound? Its not an expensive model but it looks brand new besides the sunken soundboard. Its for a new mandolin player.

[@TheJonci0322]

Nice video.

[@smilemore.productions]

Dan is so wholesome

[@PaArmyVet]

Another ingenious idea from the mad luthier. Dan is the man

[@rbrock00]

Dan, I am in total awe of your luthier skills, and how interesting you make guitar repair. I must say that in this case, however, I have to question you a little bit. You said that your customer thought the action was getting bad, leading you to discover that the bridge was lifting off. Your fix was masterfully done, but it seems to me that you did not address the larger problem, that of the guitar bellying up. Even if you re-seat the bridge, the top is still bellied up, and the action will never be as it was when the guitar was new. Wouldn't a better fix have been to glue down the bridge, and then install the JLD Bridge Doctor, (which I believe Stew-Mac sells)?

[@jnf91]

A Martin guitar is no place for a Bridge Doctor. IF the top is bellying excessively, find and fix the problem-don't slap a band aid on it.

[@ArkRed1]

I noticed the D-35 bridge on Elvis' guitar was coming loose. I told the security person at the museum at Graceland and his reaction basically, "So"?