Guitar belly bulge repair cost e. 00 + $100 an hour on bench Re-String: Clean and Restring: $35 Standard acoustic or electric guitar $40 for classical, Floyd Rose, mandolin and 12 string, Bajo Quinto $30 for ukulele, bass, violin This is so awesome! Looks like a well loved guitar with mojo. Jan 14, 2025 · As I’ve gotten deeper into guitar repair (I won’t call it “luthiery” as I’m a novice), I realized I had much bigger problems with this one; (1) the bridge was lifting off the top and (2) it was showing the dreaded acoustic guitar Belly Bulge. To fix a bellied top, the bridge first needs to be removed. I typically have my guitars checked out once over 1 - 2 years - a key checkpoint Nov 6, 2025 · RJ Guitar Belly Bulge Repair & Setup ⚙️ Maraming salamat po sir Jusly sa tiwala ☺️ Kala nyo kayo lang may kaya ng repair na walang modifications? Kaya ko rin yan hehe #guitarsetup #guitarrepair May 1, 2024 · Solving Belly Bulge. A few months ago I picked up a couple about to be in the landfill. They are both playing great and plan to Dec 25, 2022 · Guitar belly repair is a type of surgery that is performed to fix a herniated disc in the lower back. They were abused and had problems. The time now is 09:48 PM. Feb 23, 2012 · So, what's one to do when the belly bulge on one's acoustic guitars becomes too serious to ignore? Assuming of course that the easy preventative solutions (controlling humidity, using light strings/downtuning) haven't helped, and that the guitars aren't valuable enough to warrant a professional repair. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. In your case, you rightly want to understand the cost of the repair compared to the value of the guitar. Should I? Build and Repair Aug 18, 2011 · Over time, this bellying can even result in the bridge becoming unglued. J. This surgery is typically done by making a small incision in the belly and then using a small camera to guide the surgeon as they repair the disc. Guitars take on different shapes in different climates. And the playing action has become difficult. , replace the bridge plate or the bridge). An Acoustic Belly Bulge repair is an economical way to restore your acoustic guitars playability without exceeding the value of your instrument. The cost of repairing an acoustic guitar belly bulge can vary depending on the shop you choose, but on average, it ranges from $200 to $400 for professional repair. Dec 2, 2023 · Reduces Belly Bulge In Acoustic Guitars Ah, the dreaded “belly bulge,” the bane of many acoustic guitars. it's caused by a number of thingstoo many to list here but mostly from improper . Thompson, a tremendous builder and repairman. Try and imagine: the strings are pulling that portion of the top towards the headstock and along comes the belly bulge aiding the strings. Chad did the editing and guitar playing for this video which Feb 7, 2025 · The cost of repairing a belly bulge in an acoustic guitar typically averages between $200 to $400, depending on the repair shop chosen. Also he’s kept it humidified. The bridge is straight. The action is extremely high past the 6th fret, and the first 3 frets are normal action. To flatten the bridge area, I used the Belly Reducer invented by T. Aug 21, 2009 · Speaking as a guitar owner and a customer of repairmen, not a repairman myself, I'd rather have my repair guy try to fix an excessive belly with heat than to make a permanent modification to my guitar (i. Aug 28, 2025 · Wondering How Much Does Guitar Repair Cost? ? Discover 2025 repair prices, setups, fretwork, and DIY options in this complete guitar repair cost guide. I received a free 1975 Terada TR1006 guitar from my uncle. Any suggestions as to how I can correct it? Jan 9, 2010 · San Francisco Guitarworks and Sonoma County Guitarworks - the Bay Areas' premier guitar service centers. Finally, another way to fix guitar belly bulge is to simply lose weight. Dec 25, 2022 · Another way to fix guitar belly bulge is to use a weightlifting belt. While this may seem expensive, it’s important to remember that professional repair ensures the integrity of your guitar and reduces the risk of further damage. The belly has bulged pretty bad on this 1969 Framus 12 string acoustic guitar. The bulge is not severe and the bridge is flat to the body. more Jan 2, 2021 · A question about the whole "swollen belly" thing General Acoustic Guitar Discussion How To Fix A Bulging Guitar Top Have you noticed a bulge or hump in the top of your guitar? This is known as a “belly bulge” or “bellying,” and it can affect the playability and sound quality of your instrument. I then lightly steamed inside and sealed the hole. This bulging occurs when the top wood of the guitar warps due to continuous string tension. Paint and other material will only cost you around $50 to $60, it’s the labor that’s expensive. My clamp through the sound hole is supported across the internal braces with a steel bar. I love the Yamahas. 5m – 6m radius), but this one was severely arched. Excessive soundboard "bellying," caused by string tension, can make an acoustic guitar difficult to play. As shown in the video, I humidified the guitar, and removed the bulge on the sound b We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Nov 28, 2021 · How much does it cost to fix the body of a guitar? The starting cost of a guitar refinish is about $200 for the body while a professional custom paint job can cost $600 or even more. Aug 22, 2017 · A lifesaving tool set for older acoustic guitars that helps correct soundboard bulge caused by string tension Replacing the original bridge plate to correct the problem is a time–consuming job that can unfortunately reduce the value of a vintage instrument Respected luthier and restoration expert TJ Thompson developed this simple tool set, the Thompson Belly Reducer, that can fix soundboard Mar 26, 2021 · #liftedguitarbridge #liftedguitarbridgerepair #guitar #guitarmaintence #guitarrepair #brokenguitarbridgeHow to fix lifted guitar bridge Here my follow up to my Ovation belly bulge repair. Book an appointment today at sfguitarworks. Sep 25, 2020 · Purposely Over-humidify to fix belly bulge? Build and Repair A belly bulge is said to have occurred in an acoustic guitar when the area of its top behind the bridge – towards the end block – swells up and rises. Adjusting the neck angle to get the correct action is the right approach here. Before we get into the flattening part, let me show you a special problem with this guitar: the entire top, bridge and all, had been Sep 19, 2011 · Reducing belly bulge Build and RepairAll times are GMT -6. Acoustic guitars are built with bracing to support the wood against the tension from steel strings, which can apply between 150 to 200 lbs of force, potentially leading to damage over time. Not only does it affect aesthetics, but it also impacts the guitar’s structural integrity. These are all symptoms of the same problem: too much tension at the bridge. Apr 19, 2021 · Article about how to prevent guitar belly bulge and how to approach a guitar belly repair. We provide high-quality guitar repair and teach guitar maintenance and building workshops to all levels of musicians. The minimum approvals listed represent the typical cost of a non-cosmetic repair in a best-case scenario repair. 00 Rush Fee $45. On the other hand, I kinda like a bit of belly on an older guitar - I wish I could say it definitively adds to the vintage tone, but sometimes it feels like it does . This Seagull acoustic guitar was brought to me by a good friend and customer named Chad Parsons. In this video we compare the sound of the guitar before and after installing bridge doctor to partially correct the belly bulge. May 17, 2012 · It really depends on the construction of the guitar - when the top bellies, it can lead to loose braces, a popped bridge (had that one happen), etc. This guitar came into the shop last week, with a severely bellied top and a lifting bridge: Now, an acoustic guitar’s top shouldn’t be dead flat (they are arched, typically with a 4. This one was definitely in need of a debelly job. Luthiers Club Rowanth Erzen19h Any advice for fixing a belly bulge on am acoustic after tune up the strings?if i loosen the string the top become normal again Leroy Jrnees 1 19 Rowanth Erzen Author My country doesnt have bridge doctor yet😭even if they have,the cost for install is maybe the same as a new guitar 17 hrs Jeremy Cline My Canadian friend brought me a Norman guitar with a lifting bridge, a belly bulge, and long run-out splits in the soundboard beginning just forward of the belly bulge. Replacing the original bridge plate to correct the problem is a time Is it worth buying a guitar with some belly bulge? I’m looking at a Taylor 114. Dec 4, 2023 · However, I'm normally dealing with vintage guitars where the cost of the repair is not close to the value of the guitar, and I have some idea of the cost based on previous experience. com The Price List How much will it cost to fix my guitar? Here's the lowdown. These prices are not a firm quote and may be revised by the technician, the customer will be contacted if the cost will exceed the minimum approval. Bridge and Belly Bulge Repair Advice for Acoustic Guitar Not sure if this is the right sub to ask, but I could use some advice on an acoustic guitar repair. com! Thompson Belly Reducer A lifesaving tool set for older acoustic guitars! Helps correct soundboard bulge caused by string tension, without replacing the bridge plate. I learned to do steam neck resets on both, at the same time brought down a belly bulge. My acoustic guitar has a belly bulge. Added a bridge doctor, reglued fretboard because I accidentally dropped one of them. May 3, 2023 · Part 2 Guitar Repair Bridge Removal and Belly bulge Repair part 2 Famous Vintage Guitars FOUND on Antiques Roadshow — Shocking Appraisals Pro Guitar Tech's Most Hated Things (and how to fix them) The bulge isn't really a problem at all, it's just the top taking on humidity and swelling up a bit higher than it was at the factory. That was the situation with this 1928 Martin 0-18 I worked on last week. Find what you need in the price list down below, or describe your repair for us and we'll get you an estimate. If the guitar is going to exist in a humid environment then this is the shape it will take on. It can even damage the top, bridge plate and bridge. May 4, 2017 · Cost to Repair Top Belly Build and Repair See full list on killerrig. Three This was purchased new in 1990, a 12 string Dreadnought Yamaha FG-420-12. The seller is willing to reduce the price, but I doubt if the reduction would cover the cost of repair. This type of belt helps to support the lower back and stomach muscles, which can prevent the bulge from forming. We have devised a method that allows us to repair your acoustic belly bulge all while ensuring it stays put for many years to come. In this article, we’ll discuss how to fix a bulging guitar top and restore your guitar’s sound and playability. Belly bulge is the term for when the bridge on an acoustic guitar lifts and brings the whole top with it. Could I shave the saddle down and play it as-is? Trying to rationalize buying this guitar. Feb 17, 2025 · Guitar Repair Price Guide (Updated 02/17/25) Prices subject to change 5% Supply Charge added to All Repairs Minimum Bench Fee $35. su xtazz g8s 62tx71 1vi 7qzz jlwz ywvbvzej ms01e 6rc3d7m