Violin Forum/Message Board

lamguitar · Junior Member Joined: 24 Jan 2009 Posts: 3

This is only my second post, and I hope I don't insult anyone in this forum.

My question is Hyde Glues Vs. TiteBond Glues. Does the use of Hyde glue have anything to do with accoustics, or is it just used as a traditional favorite?

I build mostly Guitars and we use mostly titebond.

Thanks

Andres Sender · Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 5:00 pm Post subject:

The use of hide glue is primarily about repairability and longevity. Violins last a long time and get repaired a lot over that long life. Glue joints, no matter what the glue, don't last forever and it is easier to repair or reglue a hide glue joint than one done with Titebond. Also hide glue simply has a much better (i.e. longer) track record.

Some people do believe there is a tonal impact but I don't think that enters into the universality of the preference for hide glue.

Jack H. · Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2009 1:50 am Post subject:

Hide glue is used for it's reversibility and strength.

rs · Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2009 6:43 pm Post subject:

Hide glue is by far easier to work with once you get the hang of it. There is a an excellent post on preparing it from Leif Luscombe.

One advantage I like about hide glue is that if I don't have the fit up I like, for example on a visible repair or graft, after it dries I can gently go over the joint with a damp sponge and after this take a needle, scrape out the glue (which now is gummy) to shallow depth, then fill the area of the joint with new glue. Then slightly dampen the area around it until it begins to swell shut the joint.

This is one of the best tricks I ever found to make joints first class looking when slight (emphasis on slight!) fitup errors were made.

Titebond is good glue. But has not been around that long.

Hide glue, on the other hand, has been used for many centuries and has held cows' and horses' skins together for centuries before that!

Tonedeaf · Junior Member Joined: 18 Feb 2009 Posts: 6

When you say Titebond are you referring to Titebond Liquid Hide Glue?

FiddleDoug · Member Joined: 08 Sep 2007 Posts: 227 Location: Hilton, NY

No, not Titebond liquid hide glue, Titebond I or II aliphatic(?) wood glues. I think that there are few use for Titebond (or other types) liquid hide glue. I has an expiration date, and there have been reports of sudden glue joint failures.
_________________
Doug Wall

www.wallindependent.com

Tonedeaf · Junior Member Joined: 18 Feb 2009 Posts: 6

Thanks alot Doug