MIMF

I made this solid body tenor ukulele using a MiSi Acoustic Trio pick up. I apparently drilled the string holes in the bridge too large or too close to the bridge top surface. The #1 (A) string has started to rupture and I can see a crack forming. I attached the bridge to bare wood using super glue gel. What is the best way to remove the bridge from the top? I have considered setting up a jig and routing it off.



Thanks
Gary

You might plug the holes and redrill them. You could set your router, cut across the top of the bridge at the area where the string holes are, and place a strip of bone or contrasting wood.

If you have to get the bridge off, your router or a hand plane might be your best choice.

I like the idea.

If you really want to remove it, I'd use a hand plane. A router is awfully aggressive and you risk damaging the instrument. But, that said, I would follow Steve's advice and 'inlay' a strip of contrasting hardwood and re-drill.

Have you considered drilling out the holes a bit larger and installing string ferrules?

Here I made nice black ferrules from some plastic bridge end pins.

G.S. Monroe wrote:Have you considered drilling out the holes a bit larger and installing string ferrules?

I have not. The hole from the backside of the bridge is about 9/64 diameter. The intersecting hole from the top is about .050 diameter on 30 degree angle. I didn't leave enough material for strength.

I made a two bridges like this and I will take the other one to practice routing a slot for an inlay as suggested in a previous reply.

That is a very nice setup you have there.

I replaced the bridge and refinished the top. Sold it to a gentleman in Florida.