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Original Post By:
Bobie
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Date: 12/27/2019 5:06:37 PM |
Hello,
I've had my ukulele for 9 years with no issues until now. I found that the bridge had come off and taken parts of the finish of the body with it. My little cousin was messing about with it just before this happened but I suppose it was bound to happen eventually.
The problem now is I can't glue it back properly as neither the bridge nor the top of the uke is smooth or flat. I tried gluing it back but it simply popped off again when I was attaching the strings. There isn't enough surface area for the glue to work. I can sandpaper the bridge but I doubt that is a good idea when it has a chunk of the top finish of the body. Even if I did that, I can't flatten the top of the body for the bridge to sit properly. The top is depressed on the side from which the strings pull, and I don't just mean where the finish/wood came off.
Anyone with some advice?
Tried to take a photo:
https://1drv.ms/u/s!AlClbnHkM4wXhy0YzPjq_Tj4TSp8
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Posted By:
Muttzukii
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Date: 12/28/2019 1:18:42 PM |
You don't say much about what the uke is, but unless you have fabulous wood working skills, it would be very difficult to get the bridge set so that it would have accurate intonation as well as staying put.
If you spent less than $200 originally for it, you've probably gotten your money's worth. Maybe it is time for a new uke.
That being said, if you want to try to fix it yourself, there are plenty of videos on YouTube. See also Stewmac on line for tutorials.
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Posted By:
Bobie
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Date: 12/30/2019 9:29:06 AM |
Thanks for the reply.
It is a Chord soprano ukulele. I don't think that name, Chord, is very common. I believe they were/are a small British company. It is by no means a pricey thing but it is quite decent.
I had watched some videos before I tried reattaching the bridge before. I have also checked out stewmac. The issue with mine is the unevenness of the top of the body. When I place the bridge on, it rocks if I touch a side.
I wasn't yet too worried about the intonation as I hoped I could just get it back where it was before. Sigh.
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Posted By:
Muttzukii
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Date: 12/30/2019 1:17:31 PM |
OK, sounds like you have realistic expectations. Depending on why there is a difference to the surface; you can try taping sandpaper [if you can get sticky back sandpaper, even better] to the body & sanding the bottom of the bridge. Probably go a little bit at a time until you get it close enough.
However, if the bridge is warped, that won't help either. Sure helps to have the instrument in your hands before offering advice [if you want the advice to be accurate anyway].
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Posted By:
karl
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Date: 1/3/2020 12:31:34 PM |
I wouldn't sand the top or the bridge, and I think the problem is more in the quaility of your glue, adequate clamping and enough drying time.
Try using some dedicated luthier glue (titebond, of hot hide glue) instead of regular white wood glue, get some clamps or very strong magnets or heavy books, and leave it to dry at least 24 hours before stringing up. Do try to get a perfect fit before clamping, preferably even 'dry fitting' it first.
Also I don't get the use of duct tape on your photograph - it's too far off and it will leave traces. Paper masking tape is used to define the exact edges of where the bridge should go, but on your instrument it's perfectly clear where that piece should be positioned.
It's a cheap and not too difficult repair, but it does require P&P: Patience and Precision
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Posted By:
Bobie
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Date: 1/5/2020 10:06:55 PM |
Even if I put books on for a long time, the bridge still won't sit well because of the unevenness. The last time , I left it for almost 18 hours. That said, I only have wood glue. I tried to find other kinds of glue in my location, but no luck.
Thanks for the advice. I'd let you know if anything changes.
I used the tape just to be extra sure in case I messed up the top of the body. Overkill I know
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Posted By:
Dman2
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Date: 1/23/2020 9:16:56 PM |
My thoughts. Take it to a guitar repair shop.
If it was mine i would put money in it.
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Posted By:
J Boy Shyne
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Date: 2/11/2020 5:29:16 PM |
Yup, an easy fix for a decent luthier.
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Posted By:
J Boy Shyne
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Date: 2/11/2020 5:29:17 PM
(Updated: 2/15/2020 7:34:24 PM)
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| --edited, accidental duplicate post--
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