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Bridge doctor
http://www-.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10137&t=47165
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Author:  rusty999 [ Thu Jan 28, 2016 6:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Bridge doctor

Hi Guys,
The bridge on this 12 string Alvarez had lifted and also the tuning pins were tilted towards the soundhole. So,I managed to remove the bridge using heat etc and unfortunately it split and came off in 2 parts but may be ok if glued together and put back on, although I'm not so sure.. But as you can see from the pics theres a 1/4 inch gap under the ruler I placed on the body towards the sound hole. Is this one for a bridge doctor that I see advertised or can someone suggested a remedy instead for getting this top back to where it should be. Did this happen because of humidity --too cold or too hot.. Probably not the latter as I live in Ireland.
Any info greatly appreciated
Rusty

Author:  gxs [ Fri Jan 29, 2016 2:30 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Bridge doctor

I used one on a '70's Kawai 12 string, as a quick fix, and it worked quite well at reducing the hump. This one had a ply top, so I think it was prone to warping, but I was able to get it nice and flat.

I have heard boasts, that the Bridge Doctor improves the sound, but I can't say, in my case it was not playable when I got it. When it was finished it sounded like a cheap 12 string (with sentimental value), but I assume it always sounded like a cheap 12 string. The owner loved it. It has been over a year, maybe two years, and the owner is quite happy with it. I hear from him every few months and it is still working as well as it (apparently ever) did.

There are more orthodox things to do, but in my case the obvious things like loose braces . . . were not an option. There is a old post of it here somewhere. The factory drilled through the braces when mounting the bridge The owner tried to fix the bulge by putting a strut fused with plumbing dope to the top and bottom. (If you were thinking of that, don't do it.) Anyway, I chiseled out the plumbing dope an put in the Bridge Doctor, and it worked. The instrument was not worth much but has sentimental to the owner. Good luck.
GS

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