A Guitar Called Jack--Part 78

Installing the bridge is a little like installing the fingerboard overhang.   First Gerry locates, checks, double-checks, triple-checks... the precise location of the bridge.  Then he surrounds the bridge footprint with three layers of masking tape.  He enlarges the footprint (where there is bare soundboard) by carefully scraping away lacquer.  He then assembles all the cauls and clamps needed to install the bridge.  A critical caul is the one inside the guitar directly under the bridge.  This caul is specially shaped to fit over the X-braces, and to support and protect the bridge plate inside, while the bridge is clamped down and the glue is drying.