Threaded rods glued into the bridge feet?

[Dr. Zoidberg]

I was trying to install the Fishman Full Circle pickup on my Shen 3/4 Willow today and I got the bridge off only to find that the threaded rods from the adjusters seem to be glued in the feet, making them impossible to replace with the new pickup ones. What can I do about this? They're in very tight so I'm not sure if just twisting and pulling would work or if that will just strip the threads on the feet.

Crap!

[arnoldschnitzer]

If the adjuster wheels turn at all, unscrew them; they are not glued in. But the threads in the wood need help. Assuming you have the standard 1/4 x 20 adjusters, go to a hardware store and buy a tap (same size). Screw the tap down into the bridge and clean up the threads, then put some wax or candle shavings on the new bridge adjuster threads. Work the adjusters in and out (ooh la la) and all should be okay. Or, visit a luthier.

[Dr. Zoidberg]

Thanks for the help. I actually brought the bridge to a luthier (where I had just purchased the pickup) and we tried using a vice and pliers to loosen it but with no success. He's going to drill them out tomorrow and re-thread it.

Pretty weird though. I wonder why someone would glue them in place

[Gufenov]

Could be someone stripped the threads and did a little "home repair?"

[Matthew Tucker]

There is a kind of adjuster where the adjuster wheel runs on the threads, and is not fixed to the metal. I have seen this kind very firmly fixed into the bridge, but it is of no consequence, as this is the way they work.

[robobass]

Before your luthier starts drilling (which sounds like no fun at all!), he should try heating the exposed part of the stud with a butane pencil torch. He should be able get the metal hot enough to break the glue jount without damaging the wood.
Robobass

[Jake deVilliers]

The safer way to heat the insert without scorching the bridge would be to use a soldering irofor heat. It works very well for loosening glued-in guitar frets.

[FizzEd]

try taking it to the johnson shop in waltham if your in the boston area. i have heard good things about them. should be able to help you out if your luthier is stumped.

[Dr. Zoidberg]

Thanks for the advice guys. My luthier was able to drill out metal without a problem. Man, the Full Circle sounds amazing.

@Matthew Tucker- they were exactly what you described, with the wheel able to spin free and the threaded rod secured in the feet of the bridge.