HTS Brace Repair

Braces are used to stiffen the top and back of a guitar, they are designed in such a way to maximise the tops ability to vibrate but still retain strength against the string tension applied to the bridge.

Occasionally, a guitar will sustain some impact damage and this in turn breaks or loosens a brace, in this case we have a guitar which has taken an impact into the top and loosened the glue bond between two braces and the soundboard

Time to repair approx 2 hrs over 3 days (glue drying times)

With the guitar out of tension, we repeat the earlier tap test to see if it correlates with the same findings when strung up.

Mirror and light inside.

Straight away we can see two braces that have seperated from the soundboard, directly behind the bridge.

A steamer

As the glue is dry, we use steam to soften the existing glue and clean any debris that may have fallen into the cracked area.

Steamed and cleaned.

To fit the glue between the brace and top, we raise the guitar into an upright position.

You really dont need anything more than a finger to put the glue into the right place.

This guitar has an internal rattle when being played, the first check is to use a finger and tap around the top of the guitar and listen for notable sound changes.

When tapping this area behind the bridge I can hear a thunk.

Remove all strings/saddle and pins.

Using a fold out mirror and fluoro light, we are going to inspect the inside at the questionable location.

But you can buy a device that allows the glue to be squeezed out under the brace, nice but not needed.