Acoustic Guitar Construction

Tim,
What did fail? The centerseam or the braces?
And Dang, I already did glue the braces with HHG. The centerseam with Titebond. Lets call it a learning project.
Herman

Herman wrote:Tim,
What did fail? The centerseam or the braces?
And Dang, I already did glue the braces with HHG. The centerseam with Titebond. Lets call it a learning project.
Herman

My first attempt failed in all three areas eventually. First came the bridge (I assume because of the tension, later the braces and eventually the center seam. I initially chalked it up to a bad/old batch of TB but I had issues with the next two guitars using TB as well. Others have had zero problems with TB but I just don't chance it any more. HHG is a collagen glue like fish glue so I would think using it is OK.

I got some answers from:

Peter Cefalu, RC Tonewoods and Sons:
"I have heard not to use hide glue, but titebond."

And from:

Larry Anderson, Technical Support, Stewart MacDonald:
"We have been using Fish Glue to join the torrified tops in our kits and it has worked well. Hot hide glue will work well too, but the longer working time with the fish glue is helpful so the glue can be absorbed better by the wood fibers."

Well, the latter is serious advise I think.
Herman

Fish glue scares me because if it gets wet it softens. So if any moisture gets to that joint, say through the sound hole isn't it possible that center joint could come apart more easily?

That is the drawback of fish glue. An accidental spillage onto the seam or around the bridge could loosen it up.

No guitar playing and beer drinking?

That's right, H!! Too bad, right?