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Traditional Hot Hide Glue

Hi good people

I just done my first batch of necks using hide glue - headstock scarf joints and fretboards all glued using hot hide.

I did it because I got some of the glue in to restore an 18th century guitar, my stock of Titebond was a bit low, so thought it was time I gave it a shot and learn how to use it. If anyone wants to shout up with some words of advice or any questions, lets have it!

So far I'm pleased: it took me a couple of efforts to get the consistency right, and boy, it starts gelling and setting quick, so you need to be totally prepped and ready to offer up the joint and clamp pretty pronto!

It's pretty cheap to buy, and I simply heated it in a stainless steel dogbowl on a saucepan of hot water on the stove. A week on and all the guitars are holding up just fine! Can't get no more organic either!

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Permalink Reply by Wes "I'm Baaaaack" Yates on September 16, 2010 at 2:52pm

John,

I had used gelatine glue before with GREAT results. 7.5ml water with a 1oz packet of Knox Gelatine and I had a great glue.

There is a recipe in the Secrets of the CBG Underground for 'Oyster Glue'.

-WY

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Permalink Reply by Skeesix on September 17, 2010 at 7:05am

I've switched to hide glue too, where appropriate. It works great. I keep a mixed up batch in a jar in the fridge. Then whenever I need some, I just reheat it. I make a water bath in a wax warmer, which I also use to melt wax for potting pickups.