Official Luthiers Forum!

Hello folks. I'm new here, but been lurking a while. I don't build stringed instruments, just one row Cajun accordions, but have been soaking in the discussions on woodworking and finishing. Treasure trove of info here.

I had a question regarding fish glue. I use hot hide glue as much as possible, but the longer open time of the fish glue makes it really appealing, if otherwise comparable. The concerns I've heard are of it being so water soluble that prolonged periods of high humidity can cause joint failure. Seems that if luthiers use it on such a thin glue surface as gluing a top on to sides, that it can't be that big a problem. I did a little experiment with veneer, using fish glue then trying to separate it. It was much harder to separate with a steam iron than hot hide glue is, and won't let go with heat alone at all.

How big an issue is the water solubility? Thanks in advance.

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Bryan Lafleur
www.lansegriseaccordions.com

No big deal here. I did testing 3 years ago with joints subjected to bathroom shower humidity for 30 days...no less break strength than a group of controls.

Been using it on guitars for 3 years now and love it. I use it for gluing top and back plates but I still use HHG for gluing all braces and bridge.

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JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

Wow, what a quick response. Thank you JJ. The two together definitely make a good team.

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Bryan Lafleur
www.lansegriseaccordions.com