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‘58 Martin strange stuff
So I have a ‘58 D-18 in for a lifting bridge. Upon inspection I find a 1/2” dowel glued from side to side about an inch below the top right under the front of the bridge. I’m baffled as to what this is or what it’s for. The current owner didn’t know it was there. Was just going to leave it alone (ya know, just back away slowly 😂) but it’s located such that I can’t get bridge clamps above or below it to reglue the bridge. And information or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
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7 Replies
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Does it have a crazy saddle on it too ?
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The saddle slot has been filled and recut at some point.
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I forget the guy’s name. He’s a topic of conversation on the UMGF what with the funky mods on old guitars etc. I don’t get it, but I’ve never talked to him.
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Ian – (re: the name of the UMGF guy) are you thinking of Bryan Kymsey? He’s the guy who is known for modifying older Martins.
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That’s what google said, but I don’t think it was him. It looks like another cat who’s name I cant remember. Starts with a T I think.
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It’s also been replaced. That would have been a rosewood bridge originally.
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It wasn’t Kymsey but another guy whose name the customer couldn’t recall.
I think I’ve solved the mystery though. Whoever was working on it had added a bunch of side supports. After discussing everything with my customer, he said to go ahead and remove the dowel. It took just a very light tap for it to come loose. I’m pretty sure this dowel was just being used as a clamp for two of the side supports. Either way, it’s out of there now and the guitar didn’t collapse in on itself without it. And the bridge has been re-glued and it’s back in the customer’s hands and he’s happy as a clam.
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