JLD Bridge Doctor

Just installed JLD Bridge DR. on my ancient Yamaha Red Label FG-180. Easy as pie. With the new Grover Tuners, Bone Saddle and Bridge Dr. it sounds wonderful. As nice as my Martin.

I have used these devices in several seriously bellied instruments and even saved a destroyed 1952 Martin 0-18 with one. Assuming the end user is knowledgeable in the art of guitar repair, you can work miracles with one these.

This is a genuine invention of a new feature of guitar construction that is not copied from other instruments but something new. It seems to do what is claimed: by acting as a sound post it improves the sound, and by spreading stresses it corrects bellying. However, in the cheap and old plywood guitar I installed it in, this correction was not on its own enough to restore playability 100%, as straightening out the bulge on the top means that the bulge is re-centered under the bridge, which is much more resistant: but the guitar would need surgery on the bridge to bring it to perfect playing condition. However, if this device had been installed to start with, then (a) the sound would have been better and (b) the bellying of the top might well have been avoided. It will take a couple of years I suppose to see the final effect on the instrument - maybe the top will gradually flatten completely - but it is no fault of the splendid device that it cannot actually achieve miracles. One of the few guitar gizmos that has staying power, and very cheap too. I'd definitely use this again.

My '73 Ibanez "Hummingbird" 12 string had a soundboard like a globe and was unplayable, but the bridge doctor saved it. The instructions could have been a little clearer, cause I ended taking the whole thing apart just to put it together again, using the back row of string holes. First I was disappointed, but after 2-3 days the soundboard had become flat and like new again.

My D28 is in the shop for a complete set up and will be laid up for quite a while, so I needed to call up the second string beaters till my girl came back home, I decided to buy TWO Bridge Doctors to improve the sound of the substitutes. Now, I'm guessing the Bridge Doctor might help new guitars or guitars not needing much help, but "BEWARE", because by removing or improving that saddle bump, you'll be creating many more, very interesting problems that the Doctor can't address. I ended up getting all kinds of buzzing from the treble side of both guitars. I decided to take the Doctors out and go back to the (not so hot) original sounds. If anyone is interested in TWO, not so used Bridge Doctors cheap, let me know.

Good product. Is not a fix all device but it does its job well and it will frustrate those with little experience. Helps bellying and it does increase volume if installed properly, it makes cheap acoustics sound much better. Like a truss rod for the top.

I bought one of these kits to help with the belly on a Weissenborn clone. Not nearly enough clearance within the body, so check the clearance on your application. I also found the holes drilled through the brass pins for the unwound strings way too small, at least for the strings I had on hand. Altogether not a very successful project for me.

This is not a drop in item where one size fits all. I had a lot of problems & had to replace the dowel rod also.If your bridge pins are not in a straight line it starts there.Mine are in a semi-curve & the bridge is also set in on an angle.Both E strings are real close to the bridge & it is not possible to get the low E through the hole in the pin & over the bridge where it is tied off without enlongating the hole.Also,depending on the type of strings you use you may have a problem getting them thru the holes at the ball end where the wrap is bigger.I did & had to open up 2 of them.It has taken a lot of tweaking to get it to work because I actually lost sound when first installed & quite frankly I got sick of screwing around with it.I would never install another one.I'm not saying it don't work good for others, but the design of the guitar plays a big part of that.If you ain't good with handtools & don't have a boatload of patience,get a repair person to put one in if you think you need it.Like I said,buyer beware !

After recently installing the Doctor on a Washburn, when I received an old IBZ concord 12 string with a cracked/lifted bridge and belly, I knew exactly what I needed to do. Once again, immediately after restringing, I was very nervous as I could not get a decent action . . I let everything settle for 2 days, and when I checked again, it had the slickest action I've ever seen on a 12! Be patient and let the magic work itself! Already have client requests for another 2 installations!

Sadly, the JLD Bridge System didn't fix my 1980 approx Yamaga FG 110. I am relatively experienced and gave the system every opportunity but it did not pull the top flat on this Yamaha. In the immediate short term it also killed the tone but I understand that when it works, this is supposed to improve. Like another reviewer, the long dowell fractured under torque and I had to replace it. Yes, judging by marks left under the bridge plate, the device is capable of applying considerable force to the underside of the bridge plate. All I am saying is, on this particular guitar, it didn't work and I lost a lot of time over it. Stewart Macdonald issued a full refund so full marks to them for their good customer service. I hope it works for you as it seems to for many of the reviewers here.