Hollow Body question

**againstthewind** · 01.28.07, 12:58 PM

I recently bought a Gretsch G5120. I didn't notice at first, but after a day or so, I noticed a piece of foam, not really foam but foam like covering...the stuff guitars are usually wrapped in for delivery? If you get my point? Okay, so I notice this little piece of foam wrapper underneath the bridge. It looks to me like it was put there to protect the finish of the guitar and the bridge is not actually attached to the guitar. Is this normal for hollow body guitars? I guess I don't see it being a problem unless I had to take all of the strings off at the same time, but if that happens, I could be in a world of shit trying to get the bridge back in the same spot to get proper intonation. Plus, it being there (the foam wrapper) is kind of an eyesore. Besides that, I love the guitar alot. Sorry if this is a dumbass question, but I have never owned a hollow body before.

AT · 01.28.07, 02:49 PM

Originally Posted by againstthewind

I recently bought a Gretsch G5120. I didn't notice at first, but after a day or so, I noticed a piece of foam, not really foam but foam like covering...the stuff guitars are usually wrapped in for delivery? If you get my point? Okay, so I notice this little piece of foam wrapper underneath the bridge. It looks to me like it was put there to protect the finish of the guitar and the bridge is not actually attached to the guitar. Is this normal for hollow body guitars? I guess I don't see it being a problem unless I had to take all of the strings off at the same time, but if that happens, I could be in a world of shit trying to get the bridge back in the same spot to get proper intonation. Plus, it being there (the foam wrapper) is kind of an eyesore. Besides that, I love the guitar alot. Sorry if this is a dumbass question, but I have never owned a hollow body before.

It's not a dumbass question. I've been looking at hollow body guitars for a couple of years and could only seem to like playing instruments that cost $2,500 or more. Recently I just bought an Ibanez Artstar because it was about the only cheap hollow body I could stand to play. But... same deal. The bridge isn't fixed. I consulted my tech about it, and he said it would be okay to put a piece of double-sided tape down to keep it in place. It's likely the foam the factory put down on your guitar was put there to protect the finish, and you can remove it.

**againstthewind** · 01.28.07, 03:18 PM

Sheesh. Thanks AT. I can't believe they build them this way but, I guess I just have to deal with it, cuz' this guitar isn't going anywhere...it's just too great to let go of.

**A&Z Guitar Repair** · 01.28.07, 05:53 PM

Take painters tape and tape the outline of the bridge. This way, you've got a starting point if you remove the foam. They may have had vibrations, causing the foam to be necessary. I personally prefer the bridge against the top. Some Gretsch's have a pinned bridge. This is done at the factory and allows the strings to be removed without bridge moving.

If you've got questions, give me a shout.

AT · 01.29.07, 03:00 AM

Originally Posted by A&Z Guitar Repair

Take painters tape and tape the outline of the bridge. This way, you've got a starting point if you remove the foam. They may have had vibrations, causing the foam to be necessary. I personally prefer the bridge against the top. Some Gretsch's have a pinned bridge. This is done at the factory and allows the strings to be removed without bridge moving.

If you've got questions, give me a shout.

Hey, A&Z:

You've always been a great help around here. Thanks!

**Strat God** · 01.29.07, 10:19 AM

If you like the sound now, WAIT till you remove that foam!

Sound is generated from the strings and transfer to the body through the bridge (mostly), so the foam is actually preventing some of the sound to transfer - after you remove the foam the sound vibrations will be stronger as they travel from the strings to the body, creating an awesome sustain and tone you have not heard before.

**againstthewind** · 01.29.07, 03:04 PM

Originally Posted by Strat God

If you like the sound now, WAIT till you remove that foam!

Sound is generated from the strings and transfer to the body through the bridge (mostly), so the foam is actually preventing some of the sound to transfer - after you remove the foam the sound vibrations will be stronger as they travel from the strings to the body, creating an awesome sustain and tone you have not heard before.

That's a good point I hadn't thought of, thanks. And thanks Scott. This place is a great source of info.