In a message dated 7/31/2000 12:11:35 PM, draine@mediaone.net writes: <<'the bridge ....................... is separating along the diagonal joint 3-4 notes above the tenor/treble break.'>> Patrick; It sounds as though this is the break point of two dissimilar woods in the bridge, i.e. box wood to maple... or hornbeam to maple.... or maple to something else. If this is the case then nothing will keep this from happening again and it really is more cosmetic than functional, depending on the 'exact location' of the diagonal splice. As the two parts separate there will be more or less pressure put on the pins and cap and typically there is some minor splitting/cracking around the bridge pins in the immediate area. As Ron has already said. A careful clamping(to close up the small gap) drilling a hole(s) for a screw(s)(counter sunk of course) unclamp and work your favorite clue into the crack, re-clamp and drive in the screws until the heads are snug and 'slightly' below the bridge surface...................you are done :-) As for the "slight" cracking around the bridge pins, it all depends on whether there is a cap, there is no cap, the cap is laminated, or the cap is a solid piece. 'If' the cracking is very minor, and localized, then it is 'probably due to distortionate movement by the bridge separation and fixing the diagonal instability will cease further cracking...I won't hazard an expedient opinion without knowing more about the cracks and the cap. Hope this helps somehow. Jim Bryant (FL)
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