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I took in a repair job on an old (1915 ish) zither last month. Every glue joint had failed. It seems this insturment was stored in an attic for some length of time with all 42 strings tuned to pitch. So I had to repair this insturment which was assembled with hide glue. I have never used hot hide glue and the re-assembly was tricky so the short working time seemed troublesome.
On another guitar building forum a member had mentioned using "Old Brown Glue" to glue on his bridges. It is hide glue modified with urea to extend the open time. My first thought was of the Elmers brand liquid hide glue so I was a bit skeptical. After a quick google search I was on the phone with Patrick Edwards who manufactures this glue in his antique furniture restoration shop. He assured me that his glue and the other liqud hide glues were quite different and his product would be perfect for my project. What good salesman wouldn't say that? Well it worked perfectly. That made a few people quite happy (myself, the music store that took the instrumnet in and most importantly, the customer).
I started a new OM yesterday and I plan on using OBG exclusivly on this guitar. Maybe I'll discover what the HHG guys are all excited about. Maybe I'll stick to using LMI white.

So has anyone else tried Old Brown Glue? Any thoughts?

Steve

I have some, and I have used it, but not for anything structural. After using it, I sure wouldn't put a bridge on with it. It's good for stuff like rosettes, marquetry, etc, but it does not get as hard as HHG, or if it does, it takes a long, long time to cure out. The stuff I let dry in a tub in a thin layer, was as flexible as rubber when dry. I could bend the film around and stretch it, with no breaking. HHG and LMI White snapped like glass. If you want something that stays liquid at room temp, use LMI White or Fish Glue.

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Waddy

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It is hide glue with urea added to keep it in a liquid state it take 24-48 hours to truly full cure. It is similar to Franklin's "Liquid Hide Glue" It is suppose to be stronger and more moisture resistant but I have never tested it. It is commonly used by furnishing makers and a few luthiers use it as well. Personally it is not my thing. I had rather use Norlan fish glue if I want the open time it provides.

Rubbery? No sir, I don't like the sound of that.

Well I'll do some tests before I glue anything.

Thanks guy's.

Steve