How Does A Guitar Survive Heavy Strings?

Subject: How Does A Guitar Survive Heavy Strings?
From: GUEST,Mathew
Date: 20 Mar 17 - 05:07 AM

Hello all,


I have a Fender acoustic guitar that I put very heavy bronze strings on about a year ago. I tuned it a step down and love the sound/ feel of the strings.

However I recently picked it up again after not playing it for a while, and I've noticed that the glue holding down the bridge is starting to loosen and the bridge is starting to come up just a touch.


Is my guitar broken? Can it take the force of the strings? Will it get worse? What can I do to fix it? Is there anything I can do in future to protect my guitar AND have very heavy strings?


Thanks for the info, cheers

Mathew

Subject: RE: How Does A Guitar Survive Heavy Strings?
From: Stanron
Date: 20 Mar 17 - 05:46 AM

A lifting acoustic guitar bridge needs attention. Take it to a guitar tech or luthier and get advice. If it is a pin bridge you are less likely to experience the catastrophic destruction of the bridge flying off but there might be damage to the underlying structure if it is left un-attended.

Stan.

Subject: RE: How Does A Guitar Survive Heavy Strings?
From: punkfolkrocker
Date: 20 Mar 17 - 07:51 AM

My first ever guitar was a Shaftesbury acoustic circa 1974 [a catalogue guitar most likely manufactured by Eko]

After about 7 or 8 years I decided to put heavy strings on it.
Not long afterwards, I woke up one morning to find that with out any warning symptoms
the bridge had lifted and torn the laminated soundboard to splinters...

Subject: RE: How Does A Guitar Survive Heavy Strings?
From: gillymor
Date: 20 Mar 17 - 08:23 AM

You probably should have the bridge reglued professionally and if you want to string up heavier, Newtone makes low tension strings that sound pretty good and have good durability, I used them for awhile for playing rhythm on my Froggy Bottom F. Another option would be silk and steel which are low tension.

Subject: RE: How Does A Guitar Survive Heavy Strings?
From: gillymor
Date: 20 Mar 17 - 10:20 AM

"Is my guitar broken? Can it take the force of the strings? Will it get worse? What can I do to fix it? Is there anything I can do in future to protect my guitar AND have very heavy strings?"

Have you directed these questions to the manufacturer for their recommendations? Some guitars were not designed to be heavily strung.

Subject: RE: How Does A Guitar Survive Heavy Strings?
From: Will Fly
Date: 20 Mar 17 - 10:21 AM

Out of curiosity - what gauges are you actually using?

"Very heavy" is a movable feast... :-)

Subject: RE: How Does A Guitar Survive Heavy Strings?
From: Merritt
Date: 20 Mar 17 - 04:10 PM

+1 Talk to the manufacturer.

I have a 2005 Simon & Patrick Woodland Parlor. A short-scale guitar that I keep in open D or G tuning. I wanted more tension on the strings for picking and slide. I asked the manufacturer (Godin) if it would be ok to go from Elixir Nano lights to mediums. They said "technically, yes," but recommended having a luthier or decent tech review the situation and sign-off. Which is what I did; an in-house luthier at a shop in Pittsburgh looked it over and said "Go for it." (Wouldn't charge me.) I've had no stability, bridge, stress-related issues with this guitar for the last 6 years.

Subject: RE: How Does A Guitar Survive Heavy Strings?
From: GUEST,DrWord
Date: 21 Mar 17 - 05:05 PM

Mathew ~ change to mediums ~ go to frets.com to read frank's comments on your issue (ALL guitar issues!) ~ see what is required--this is a routine repair. i'm currently re-stringing a (Fender) bridge re-glue, and have no intention of going beyond 56-13 ~ good luck with your guitar, and
keep on pickin'
dennis

Subject: RE: How Does A Guitar Survive Heavy Strings?
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Mar 17 - 03:13 PM

Consider installing a bridge-doctor as an inexpensive repair if it shows sign of lifting.

Subject: RE: How Does A Guitar Survive Heavy Strings?
From: Stanron
Date: 22 Mar 17 - 04:52 PM

A lifting bridge might, only might and also might not, mean damage to strutting and/or bridge plate. Professional inspection will decide.

The bridge doctor cures a bulging sound board and not a lifting bridge. Get the lifting bridge fixed first. You can always fit a bridge doctor later if you want to.