How to stop / fix bridge dive on an acoustic?

[KazJY]

the bridge on one of my acoustics is starting to tilt forward.

Is there a fix for this that I can do myself? What are the options?

Thanks in advance!

[Structo]

Seems to be the scourge of the flat top acoustic.

I have an old Ibanez 12 string that I love and it started doing that, with a big hump behind the bridge as well.

There is a product called the Bridge Doctor that is installed inside the guitar.
It has an arm that puts pressure on the bridge and tail piece and it counteracts the leaning bridge.
It is an adjustable type thing with a allen wrench.
I had a local luthier install it.

The only con is they have to drill a hole in the bridge plate at the center of it.
That hole is then plugged with a abalone dot that looks nice.

I think there are a couple products like this.

If the bridge has started to separate from the top then it should probably be removed and re-set.

Good luck.

[offbeat]

I'll second the Bridge Doctor. Cheap, easy to install, and it brought my old beat-up 1979 Takamine back to life. As Tom brought up, you'll have to drill a small screw hole in the back of your bridge, so you may not want to do this on a nice old Martin.

[KazJY]

Thanks Tom. I just looked this up - not an expensive part either!

Breedlove guitars all have this standard. I think I remember seeing it inside their guitars too.

[KazJY]

Originally Posted by offbeat

I'll second the Bridge Doctor. Cheap, easy to install, and it brought my old beat-up 1979 Takamine back to life. As Tom brought up, you'll have to drill a small screw hole in the back of your bridge, so you may not want to do this on a nice old Martin.

it's an old cheap-o acoustic that I've been digging more than my Taylor lately (!). So yeah, I don't think it'll be a big deal to drill a hole in this.

[RussB]

Before you go drilling holes and installing a Bridge Doctor, you need to evaluate the bracing and bridge plate inside the guitar. It's not uncommon for these parts to come loose from the top. The fix it to re-glue them with hide glue or Titebond and a clamp or three.

[KazJY]

Originally Posted by RussB

Before you go drilling holes and installing a Bridge Doctor, you need to evaluate the bracing and bridge plate inside the guitar. It's not uncommon for these parts to come loose from the top. The fix it to re-glue them with hide glue or Titebond and a clamp or three.

Yeah, this is nothing I'd attempt myself - too invasive for me. haha. it is a cheapy guitar, so who knows what's under the hood. Gotta keep it playable though.