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Cracked Bridges |
Related Topics: | Bridge Reglue | Broken or Damated Bridge Plate | Saddle |
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Why do bridges crack?
Bridges typically crack as a result of long term exposure to string tension. Often times, a cracked bridge is a symptom of internal structural issues or an improperly fitted saddle. Cracks in acoustic bridges usually occur either accross the pin holes at the saddle slot.
Cracks Accross the Pin Holes
These cracks often develop as a result to internal structural issues. Bridge plates often warp as a result of wear and tear. Similarly, braces may come loose from the top of the guitar. In either case, as the internal workings of a guitar begin to fail, the string tension is not properly distributed. This will put undue strain on the bridge which can cause it to begin lifting from the top of the guitar or even crack.
Cracks at the Saddle Slot
These cracks usually develop as a result of an improperly fitted saddle. If a saddle does not fit snuggly, under string tenion it will make contact with the bridge at two locations: the top of the saddle slot on the neck side and the bottom of the saddle slot on the pin hole side. In this situation, the saddle, then, acts as a lever and can crack the bridge at either or both ends of the saddle slot.
Similarly, if a saddle is too tall (less than half of the saddle's height is in the saddle slot) than the string tension is drastically increased. Again, in this situation, the saddle can crack the bridge at either end of the saddle slot.
How is a cracked bridge repaired?
There are a number of ways to repair a cracked bridge including gluing the crack closed (such as cracks at the saddle slot), filling an open crack (such as some cracks accross the pin holes) or replacing the bridge. Of course, there are other restoration techniques that may be employed when the originality of the instrument is a concern, however, these repairs can exceed the cost of bridge replacement and are often inferior to bridge replacement.
Any bridge repairs should, however, be proceeded by any internal structural repairs that are necessary. For example, if a bridge plate requires repair, that should be repaired or replaced before a cracked bridge is repaired or replaced. The bridge is only part of a tonal and tension "distribution network". As the bridge is fitted to the guitar (as opposed to the guitar being fitted to the bridge) the guitar should be structurally stable before a bridge is repaired, reglued or replaced.