lifting bridge?

[inspector13]

I have recently acquired a very nice LV09 and love it, but the bridge is lifting or has lifted. Getting worse...who knows. I took it to a local tech today and he said to keep an eye on it. In the picture I have placed business cards under the bridge to show the depth of the separation. The card with the pick on it is showing a gap that is the deepest and appears to be isolated (v shaped) to this area. I would really like to have the opinion of members here. I live in a small town and I really don't know how much I trust the tech we have here. If I need to I will take it to Austin or Dallas to have it looked at by a top notch shop I will. Should I make the trip? Thanks to all who respond.

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[jmhyer]

Probably, it should be fixed soon.  Hopefully, someone can recommend a good repair person that you could hand-deliver it to.  Otherwise, I'd box it up well and send it to unclrob.

[dcarey]

Release the tension on  the strings and get fixed ASAP!
If you don't have faith in your local repair tech, ask here and get it fixed by a reputable Tech in your area!

Dan

[joopie]

 Should I make the trip?

YES!

what a bummer! i have read a few other posts regarding this problems- freaks me out! get that baby fixed- looks like one sweet guitar!

anybody know what might cause this problem?

:mellow: J.

[unclrob]

Yes get it fixed.
What causes it,who knows for sure.
Take a Trip to either city and talk to the local players.Then interview the tech,get a good feel for him/her and then come back and get it fixed.

[Cowgirlie]

Yep, loosen those strings now, and get it fixed...better to have a tech take it off and reglue it than have it pull off. Is the grain on the top raised at all?

[inspector13]

No, don't see any other concerns. The guitar is 5 years old (per Brian at Larrivee) and this the only thing I see that does not look right. I guess I will find out if these are any other problems. This makes me sick. Don't want to let her go to the doctor.  :<>

[LawDogStrgsAttach]

Check PM, inspector...

[balanwood]

Hi Inspector,

Though I can't tell what is causing the lifting bridge on your LV, I can tell you about my own recent lifting bridge issue on my newly acquired Larrivee Spruce/Koa Parlor (one of the old satin ones).

The parlor I bought, though 'new', had not been properly cared for while sitting at the wholesaler's warehouse and was very dry (sharp frets, dry bridge/fingerboard etc). I noticed the lifting bridge and assumed it was caused by the dryness. I bought the guitar anyway knowing it is an easy fix for my repairer.

When the bridge was removed we noticed that its edges been sitting on top of finish - not the unfinished spruce. A 2-3mm 'lip' of finish had not been removed to give the bridge the best chance to bond with the top. After we removed the excess finish - the top and the bridge met exactly for the first time!

After some hydration, hide glue and a quick set-up I have a parlor that I know is working and sounding the way it should!

I would encourage you to get your instrument to a competent tech ASAP for repair and enjoy the better sounding instrument that it will be when it returns.

Regards,

Balanwood

[Randy_R]

send it to unclrob if you don't have a tech nearby that you trust.

[PortHueneme]

I agree with those that say loosen the strings and get it fixed. Heat is probably the biggest cause of bridge lifting. You (we all) need to be careful when toting our babies around during the summer. My rule of thumb is, if I am hot or cold, my guitar is probably also uncomfortable.
I strongly urge you to take care of it before the bridge pulls completely off. You may suffer some severe damage to the guitar or you if it lets go quickly. While it is at the Dr. I suggest you also have the bracing checked for any glue problems. While none of us like to be without our guitars, it is better to have this minor issue resolved before you have significant damage and are separated for a longer repair visit.

Check references on the guitar tech and after you decide don't rush him, let him/her do it right.

[pigtown]

I had to get a bridge glued.  An old Guild that sat in a closet for years.
Minor repair, at least that one was.  Unclrob would be the juge and jury on that.

[kilgorekid]

Got your message, Wade, and glad to hear you're meeting with Roger on Monday.  He'll know what to do. 
Bill

[Mikeymac]

The bridge on my '92 OM-05 lifted a couple years after I got it.  Larrivee paid for the fix by a reputable local luthier, and I've never had a problem with it since...and it didn't affect the tone in any negative ways, either.

Jes "get 'r' dun" an' keep on enjoyin' yer geetar!

:rolleyes: