Hide Glue

[shredaholic]

Anyone else using it for guitars? I'm planning on taking the plunge with it after hearing about the benefits such as joint removal ease, stronger joints and more resonance - plus the fact that it's been the benchmark for high quality instrument manufacture for hundreds of years, and with the exception of electric guitars, still is today, and would like to hear about people's experiences with it and any advice.

 

[JacksonMIA]

Re: Hide Glue

I've read a lot about it, but I've yet to use any. You're right - it's supposed to be the best.

 

[jeremy]

Re: Hide Glue

i use it for lots of stuff, its easy to work with and smells a little funny but thats ok. the lacquer fumes make everything better anyway

 

[GuitarSandwich]

Re: Hide Glue

A lot of the "cork sniffer" guitar builders use more modern stuff, but you'll always find some "guru" saying that hide glue is more "brittle" and transmits the mojo better or some such BS. The fact of the matter is that there is so little glue in a well made joint that it doesn't even matter.

It's harder to use, smellier and doesn't always work... it is pretty unpredictible. As far as repairability goes, there are plenty of modern glues that can be undone with heat and/or steam.

GS

 

[jeremy]

Re: Hide Glue

It's harder to use, smellier and doesn't always work... it is pretty unpredictible. As far as repairability goes, there are plenty of modern glues that can be undone with heat and/or steam.

it is stinky but i think its fairly easy to use and i dont think its unpredictable. when you are working on a 50 year old martin or classical, it shouldnt even be a question as to what you use. i dont use it on everything but its used quite a bit in the shop with great success. im not saying that modern glues arent better in some ways but if the guitar was built with hide glue, ill fix it with hide glue

 

[kmcguitars]

Re: Hide Glue

Hide glue is basically a age old tradition in guitar building. That's the main reason it's the glue of choice for most luthier's.