Cracks under bridge, how bad is the damage?

[elear]

I got a new guitar a few weeks ago, and wasn't sure whether I wanted to keep it. I called the vendor and they said that P.R.S. strings aren't that great and sent me some balanced tension ones to try.

I followed the instructions in this video:

It says to put a card under the bridge, which I did. However, I apparently removed it a bit early in the process, after I had put the new strings on and partially turned the guitar but before I had fully tuned it (I was switching to a different room to start tuning it and putting the tools and trash away first), and when I pulled the card out, the bridge slammed down. Surveying the damage, I found the cracks below.

https://imgur.com/a/jbyPnq7

How bad do they look? Do you think there is structural damage? I'm a bit frustrated because I had been quite inclined to return the guitar, but wanted to give it another chance just in case. I never use a tremolo and probably wouldn't have bought it if I had noticed it didn't have a fixed bridge, but the company I bought it from has been great in the past and the salesperson strongly recommended it to me when I told him what I was seeking.

I should note that the video also never specifies when to remove the card from under the bridge. I should have figured out that it was after the process was complete, but it still would have been nice if the video was thorough.

Thank you for your help.

 

[TheCraftsman]

Hi

Sorry to hear about the accident, looks like finish cracks / chips nothing structural I’d say, if it helps I had to look pretty hard to see them.

Regarding the card, once you’re tuned to pitch the trem would move level and the card would naturally fall out

 

[Mentalo87]

It’s just bridge bite on the surface. Not nice but nothing to worry about.

 

[FatFingerBlues]

I agree its just finish cracks

@Greywolf would know better than me

but some thin Cynoacrylate (Super Glue) from Stew Mac might help hide them and prevent spreading

Stew Mac Glue

 

[Greywolf]

a little thin Super glue and some 1000 grit wet she'll be fine..

 

[FatFingerBlues]

a little thin Super glue and some 1000 grit wet she'll be fine..

Thank you!

 

[Abe]

Sorry about the mishap. Shouldn't affect guitar's performance and 999/1,000x it will not be noticed, except for by yourself because you had the regrettable incident.

Yes, I know, we prefer to keep ourselves and our guitars free from blemishes and having perfect complexions.

P.S. I don't think there's anything wrong with PRS strings at all.

 

[elear]

P.S. I don't think there's anything wrong with PRS strings at all.

Thanks for all of your replies. I'm now no longer worried about the guitar. I'll need to relinquish some of my refund from the damage if I return it (assuming they will still take it back), but that's my fault.

I agree; the new strings definitely changed the feel and sound of the guitar. In terms of feel, I definitely prefer the new ones, because they have a bit more grip, so bends are easier, but some people prefer slinkier/smoother strings. Likewise, while the sound is also markedly different from the PRS ones, I'm not sure it's better.