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I'm getting close to gluing the back on my first. It seems like this will be the perfect time to glue in the label, before the back goes on. This is a small parlor, so the sound hole is smaller and it seems like it woudl be tough to get it lined up good if I wait. So I have several questions, and would like to get some ideas of what others do.

When do you put your lables in?

How do you make your labels? I've used Word to make a simple one for my dulcimers, but sometimes think I would like something fancier for my guitars since you can see them better.

What glue do you use to apply them? In the past I've used both Mod Podge (sp) and Elmer's white glue. Any better suggestions?

Thanks!

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Phil

http://www.oleninstruments.com

"Those who tilt at windmills are only considered insane by those who can't see the dragon."

Acrylic paint, just before gluing the back on

But if I was going to do printed labels, I'd doodle something up in Photoshop or similar, with a nice border and some text, fill out the date and serial number and sign it by hand, and glue it in with thin hide glue. Elmer's ought to work just fine too, but hide would probably stick to itself better if the corners ever start peeling up and need glued back down, plus it cleans up easily if you ever need to remove the label entirely for some reason.

I looked extensively online for a unique font that I use for my headstock inlay. That design was done with Word, but using Wordart to create the shape and letter outline. I use the same font in brown to create my general label on a color laser, printed on 100% cotton cream-colored paper. Instrument-specific info printed in Arial black. Protected with spray shellac. Glued to back with slightly diluted Titebond just before assembly.

I had a Calligrapher pen a suitable label for me. I then simply scanned it at high res. and printed using a good quality ink. I glue with Fish glue.

After scanning, etc, what type of paper do you print it on?

Thanks,
Glenn

The same as Tim, 100% cotton rag - ivory coloured. I think it's normally sold for printing important documents. For the cost you may as well use something decent. Can't remember the weight. Mine is a very simple label, just my name, first two digits of the year and a hand drawn line border. I like the idea that it was originally done by hand.

My label is a very simple one featuring my headstock logo. I install them before the top goes on. I use a high rag content paper intended for resume printing and print them on a laser printer. I use a glue stick from Office Max/Staples, easy to use and they stay down very well.

Chris-

I use MS Publisher if only for the border options.
Also use cotton rag paper, attached with fish glue.

I prefer to glue them in once the guitar is completed but on my last build, a Selmer with the oval hole, I did it prior to closing the box. Either way works fine. I use some high quality paper i get here at a local art store and glue it down with Titebond.

You can see my label on the Tenor Uke thread. I used some kind of heavy textured paper. After printing, I applied shellac to it. It already had a gold tone to it. Then Scotch 77 spray glue. Works great. I applied after top was on so I knew it was centered properly. Also, clean the surface with acetone before applying the label (carefully!!)

Mike

Thanks for all the suggestions, seems like I may be on track with this after all. Chris, looks like you also use a brand on the center strip, looks nice!

Rob, is that MS Publisher a standard software on computers with MS Office? I'd love more border options, but haven't had any luck downloading fonts or borders off the net. I'd like to have some nicer borders on mine.

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Phil

http://www.oleninstruments.com

"Those who tilt at windmills are only considered insane by those who can't see the dragon."

I like to use bleached out hundreds.

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Another day, another dollar.

Oh I forgot to mention I burn the edges of my labels with a lighter to brown the edges. I don't how I ever got the idea to do that but I think it looks cool.

I use a non-acid resume paper, with LMI double sided adhesive intended for pickguards. I attachafter the back is braced, with plastic taped on protect it like this.....

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Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.

Inkjet on parchment colored resume paper. I put on with titebond then paint over the top with titebond thinned about 50% with water. Pretty much locks it in there.

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Steve Smith
"Music is what feelings sound like"

Oh boy! a glue thread!

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