- Installation Instructions For;
''Brace~ade"
#1 Read entire instructions completely through. It is easier than it may seem. Slight modification is
required. If you do not feel confident in the procedure,I recommend having a qualified repair shop do the
installation. ''Brace~ade'' is easily installed in an hour or
less.
#2 Required tools,hammer,Drill and 3/16 bit,Phillips screw driver,pliers,center punch or ice pick or even
a nail ruler, Gather all tools before starting. New set of strings
recommended.
#3 Remove strings as normal. Loosen strings,remove strings from posts. Pop out pegs on bridge and pull
strings
out.
#4 Determine whether or not your guitar has two small bolts already in bridge. You will see two black or
mother of pearl
dots.
#5 Reach inside through sound hole and remove both small nuts. Gently tap upwards on the two bolts to
pop upwards and out. Some guitars have a screw under mother of pearl dots. Remove dots and turn
screw counter clock wise and remove
completely.
#6 If your guitar does not have the two bolt, measure and mark location to drill the two holes. Measure
5/16 inch from back of bridge generally on the outside of the top and bottom string peg holes. This is a
general location since all bridges vary. With center punch and hammer tap location dent. This is to guide
and hold drill bit in place, not allowing bit to slip off out of place. And so it will not damage top of guitar. If
you do not have a center punch you could use a ice pick or nail. Center of black
caps.
#7 Use extreme caution as you start to drill. Helpful if drill is on slow speed. Place drill bit tip in pre
punched hole. Using a 3/16 inch bit,drill completely through. If you have a bridge that had the two bolts,
enlarge to 3/16.Once 3/16 hole is drilled through the bolts should be able to slide in and out of holes
without having to thread them in. Shake out wood
particles.
#8 Get block and arm assembly loosen top screw so arms will slide in block. Align bolt holes in arms to
match holes in bridge. Arms should be equal in length or centred in block. Tighten center screw tightly .
Not on guitar top,on table
top.
#9 Remove caps on the end of the two main support roads slide block and arm assembly onto the long
main support rod with the arms on the top insert into guitar through the sound hole with one hand. Lay
on the bottom of the guitar. Insert the short main support rod and threaded rod as one piece into guitar
through the sound hole. Insert threaded rod into long main support rod. Sometimes nuts need to be
adjusted more to one end of the threaded rod so it will go inside main support rod deeper,thus will shorten
assembly. Angle complete assembly corner to corner.If threaded rod will not go in the last resort is to
shorten one of the two support rods. Not too
much.
#10With one hand reach inside and pick up "Brace~ade" assembly holding block in hand . Arms should
be on the top side of main support rod. Pop off black cover on bolt. With your other hand slide one bolt
with nylon bushing on it, down through one of the two holes in bridge. Thread into block and arm
assembly in the correct arm threaded end . Screw in until you feel the bolt just coming through the
bottom of arm . Repeat with second bolt . Maybe helpful if you switch hands . At least for me . Screw in till
you feel bolt on bottom side of arm,once
again.
#11 Push both bolts all the way down till sitting directly on
bridge.
#12 Center "Brace~ade" to go straight down the middle of the guitar,also keeping it parallel to the top
and bottom of the guitar . Turn finger nuts on threaded rod apart from each other keeping center mark
on threaded rod in the center of the two nuts approx auntly. One nut turns clock wise ,the other turns
counter clock wise . Tighten as tight as you can by hand . Place "Brace~ade " logo, on short rod upright
for best results. With pliers tighten nuts until secure . You will feel tension in the nuts . You may hear a
slight little wood crack even .This is normal ,the ends need to penetrate into neck and tail blocks . Ends
are designed to prevent blocks from splitting . When tight enough you should not be able to move
complete assembly by hand ,pulling up and down on it .DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN . Screw the two bolts on
top of the bridge alternating between the two so bolts screw down evenly . No need to tighten all the way
at this point
.
#13Install strings as normal . A new set is recommended . Tighten strings to tune .
#14 Now tighten both screws on bridge till you feel a slight pressure or see sound board being pulled
downward . Remembering to alternate tightening of screws to pull down evenly . DO NOT OVER
TIGHTEN SCREWS . You only need to obtain proper alignment of sound board as new . It is normal if
support rods are flexing upward slightly .Retune and enjoy . Remember you can adjust your string height now
with the two screws on the top side of the bridge . Tightening will lower action and sharpen pitch .
Loosening will allow the string tension to raise up string height and flatten tuning . You may want to play
with this a little until desired height and feel are
achieved
#15Then pop on the two black screw covers on the top of nylon bushings under screws . The caps pop
right off for when ever you may want to adjust screws at any time.
.
If problems occur while installing you may call us at 510-713-o367 or 510 -825-7157 .
ddrew@braceade.com .Or I would be more than happy to do the installation. Call for an
appointment. "Brace~ade" will provide strength and add years of life to your vintage ,new,or slightly
used guitar . Please let us at DnR guitars and everyone else know just what you think and how you feel
about your guitar after installing "Brace~ade " Thank You and enjoy ! Darren Drew
President , DnR guitars LC.
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