Assessing the Damage
This bridge has been repaired several times previously, but unfortunately none of the repairs lasted. Part of the problem is the fact that this guitar is a 12-string Acoustic Guitar, which has tremendous string tension in the first place. This repair must be done “from the ground up” with some dirty tricks to make sure this client doesn’t have to get this bridge reglued a fourth time (this is reglue #3).
One can also see how in some areas the top wood tore out of the top and is still attached to the bridge, and some yellowish stains that may indicate a previous repair – either an old failed glue joint or damage from the bridge removal process. Most of the wood adhering to this bridge should be glued back to the top before fitting the bridge to it.