Top Tip

I have often been asked what is the best way to remove bridge and stop bar post inserts, well the safest and simplest way, if the instrument is fairly new and the inserts are not too tight in, then just drop a wooded dowel through the insert screw hole, screw the stop bar post into it and tighten down. This should lift the insert out easily.
However if this does not work straight away then find a tube of rigid plastic or metal that the insert will pass through, then get a bolt which is 10 mm longer and the correct thread for the insert. Cut a hole in a piece of an old mouse mat(the type with ribber backing) to protect the surface of the body, screw down with a socket or spanner and this will lift out the insert.