The bridge should be replaced with a acoustic guitar.
Over time, the bridge on your acoustic guitar can get damaged.The glue that holds the bridge in place is affected by humidity and temperature.Heavy use can cause the bridge to fail.If your bridge is damaged, you can replace it at home with a brand new one.
Step 1: Remove the acoustic guitar strings.
The string attached to the guitar neck can be loosened by turning each tuning peg clockwise.Remove the string from the peg.The string is connected to the bridge with a pin.Pull the pin straight out if you push the string slightly toward it.Most acoustic guitars have bridge pins that hold the strings in place.Most acoustic guitars have them.If your acoustic's strings are threaded through the bridge instead of held in place by pins, you can just pull the string gently to remove it.Put your strings to the side if you plan to reuse them.If you want to install a fresh pair, you can toss out the old strings.
Step 2: Use a pencil or X-ACTO knife to trace around the old bridge.
When you get to position the new bridge on the guitar body, you need to do this.All you have to do is trace around the bridge with a regular pencil or use an X-ACTO knife to mark the position.It is okay if your original bridge has fallen off.The perfect placement can be measured later.The outline on the guitar body was left by the original bridge.
Step 3: The glue can be loosened by placing a heating pad over the bridge.
The easiest way to detach a bridge is to heat up the glue and then pry it off.If you want to get glue under the bridge, place a heating pad directly over it and let it cure for a couple of minutes.Don't heat the bridge for more than 2 minutes at a time.The guitar can be damaged by heat exposure.If you don't have a heating pad, place a thick towel over the bridge and run a clothes iron over it to warm up the glue.
Step 4: A knife is needed between the bridge and guitar.
After the glue loosens up, insert a blunt knife between the body and bridge.If you can't insert the knife completely from one side of the bridge to the other, heat the area for another minute.Slowly work the knife under the bridge.You may need to apply heat several times to wedge the knife.Don't damage the finish by using the putty knife.
Step 5: Remove the bridge with the help of the knife.
Continue wedging the knife under the bridge and applying heat until the glue loosens up.Use the knife to remove the bridge from the body.The old bridge can be set aside or thrown away.It can't be used again.If the bridge popped off by itself, you can glue it back into place instead of buying a new bridge.You need a new bridge if it's cracked or warped.
Step 6: Use a chisel to remove excess glue from the guitar body.
There will be glue on the guitar body after you remove the bridge.Remove the glue from the surface of the bridge to get rid of it.To remove glue bits from the surface, wipe it with a microfiber cloth.The new bridge will not adhere well to the surface if you don't remove the old glue from the guitar body.If you accidentally slip with the chisel, be careful not to dig into the guitar finish.
Step 7: A bridge that is similar in size and shape to the original can be purchased.
You can buy a pre-made replacement bridge for most acoustic guitars.It's important to buy a bridge with the same dimensions and shape as the original one so that everything fits correctly.The original bridge can be re-glued if it popped off on its own.Sand the back of the bridge.
Step 8: Attach the new bridge to the traced outline.
You can use the outline you traced earlier to line up the new bridge.Attach the bridge to the guitar with a deep C-clamp.Release the C-clamp and pull the bridge away from the guitar body.It's too small for a regular C-clamp.You have to have a deep C-clamp.Before you glue anything to your guitar, you need to do a dry run.A dry run is when you make sure the bridge is in place before applying glue.If you want to be extra careful, you can double-check the bridge positioning with a straightedge and level.
Step 9: Set up a bowl of water, a few rags, and a screwdriver.
Once the glue starts flowing, prepare your space so you don't run into any issues.Put a small bowl of water on the side and stack a few rags and extra paper towels nearby.Make sure the small screwdriver is easy to reach.
Step 10: Wood glue can be applied to the back of the bridge.
The backside of the bridge should be facing up.Remove the cap from the bridge and apply a thin layer of wood glue over it.Don't skimp on the glue!Excess glue will squeeze out from underneath the bridge when you press it into place.To wipe that excess glue off, you need a bowl of water and rags nearby.
Step 11: Carefully place the bridge on the guitar body.
You don't want to disturb the glue or get it on your hands if you hold the bridge around the edges.The backside with the glue is facing down if the bridge is flipped over.Place the replacement bridge the same way as before.
Step 12: The bridge can be put into place with light pressure.
The guitar hole is the same as it was before.Attach the bridge into place.You don't need to use a lot of pressure to get good compression.
Step 13: If you want to wipe away excess glue, you should damp the rag.
The wood glue will squeeze out from beneath the bridge as the clamp presses down.Before the glue starts to set, wipe away the excess glue with a clean rag.Wrap another rag around the end of the screwdriver.To remove excess glue, run the end of the screwdriver along the joint edges.You can get into the joints with the wrapped end of the screwdriver.If you want to bridge to lay flat, you need to remove excess glue before it sets.
Step 14: The glue will cure if the glue is left in place.
Leave the guitar alone and don't move it.The glue has plenty of time to set so make sure the guitar isn't disturbed for the next 8 to 12 hours.Allow the glue to cure for a full 24 hours.
Step 15: Restring your guitar is a good idea if you want to remove the clamps the next day.
After the glue fully sets, remove the clamps.lamps are heavy and should not be bumped as you remove it.You can put the strings back on your guitar and see if the sound is the same as before.