do you glue the box shut?

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Permalink Reply by Ron "Oily" Sprague on June 26, 2012 at 3:16pm

Some people do. Many builders here add electronics like piezo or magnetic pickups, so the ability to open the box repeatedly for testing or modification often rules out glue. Others install electronics, but screw the lid shut; I have one from another builder like this - hafta remove 5 screws to change an internal amp battery. Not a big deal, really. Most seem to make sure the box latch works and leave it at that.

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Permalink Reply by Ryan Rose on June 26, 2012 at 7:49pm

Sometimes I glue it shut, sometimes I don't. I generally prefer not to, just in case I have to get in there sometime. My first couple of builds I used small nails directly into the side of the box, but I quit doing that, since it was hard to drill a small hole that precise. But it's all decided on a box-by-box basis. Some need it, some don't.

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Permalink Reply by The Phrygian Kid on June 26, 2012 at 9:45pm

if the lids on top the string pressure should be sufficient to keep it shut

if the lid is on the underside why not glue a magnet and a small bit of steel in there?  theres magnetic catches for cupboard doors only cost a buck or so each.

all that said, if you have no intention of ever adding any circuity theres no real reason not to seal it up for good, but ive never done it

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Permalink Reply by MichaelS Country Boy Guitars on June 26, 2012 at 10:30pm

The string pressure is usually enough but on a box with a bit of warp to the lid I use small screws to hold it closed. I have found that a tightly screwed down lid can make a difference in sound too. 

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Permalink Reply by Maddog on June 29, 2012 at 11:30pm

I put a screw with a finishing washer on each of the bottom corners.

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Permalink Reply by RTZGUITARS on June 30, 2012 at 2:52am

If its an acoustic guitar a sealed box is very important for sound projection and volume. I build lid on the back when i record with my acoustic I seal the lid with tape and it make a big differance. The tighter the box the better they sound no matter what kind of guitar it is. A tight sealed box won't creak and make as much noise as a loose lid with open gaps.

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Permalink Reply by Skeesix on June 30, 2012 at 11:42am

I glue posts in each of the 4 corners, then screw the lid into those posts. I use small countersunk screws so you can barely see them. This makes the box more solid and stops any rattling.

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