Hide Glue is almost a necessity for Double Bass luthiery, because of the need to go back and fix things over the years, I know BG luthiery is only in its first half century of life which may make it different, but I was wondering if you guys have every used Granular hide glue on your basses?

Ive used Titebond Liquid Hide which is basically ready-to-use granular hide in a bottle, without the hot pot, and for gluing neck lams and bodies together, all that stuff, well I think liquid hide is pure hell. I really believe it is. I use Titebond II now and continue using the liquid hide for fingerboards in case something goes wrong with the rod or the leds. I dont recommend it at all for 'structural' purposes.

The only reason to use hide glue is to be able to easily take things apart to repair. One of the Chinese makers was using white glue which made removing the top a near impossibility. As far as I can tell, there's no reason to use hide glue on a BG.

I wouldn't use it on electrics as it delaminates over time and with exposure to heat/sunlight. Electrics are treated a lot rougher than acoustic instruments.

Robert Benedetto mentions in his DVD series that he stopped using hide glue for fingerboards years ago as they tended to delaminate after some time and customers were freaking out because they had no idea what was wrong with their instruments :smug:

thanks for answering my question guys, I guess it makes sense, because of the solid body theres not many internal problems that would need a reversible bond to be relevant. Ive heard that the liquid titebond isn't quite the same as granular hide glue because of some preservatives in it, does anyone know about that?

I believe that is also true

Hide glue in a bottle is not nearly as good as fresh, imo. Fresh hide glue can be made quite strong; I think it is often understimated these days. That said, there's probably no call for it in BG building, aside from fretboards. Hollow and semi-hollow body instruments would benefit though, I'd imagine, given the likelyhood of needing future disassembly and repair...

Liquid hide glue in the bottle is HORRIBLE! It seems fine for a while, but 6 months later everything has shifted and you have cracks opening and parts separating. There are thinners and softeners that keep it liquid in the bottle - it would normally turn solid without this. Do Not Use.

Hot hide glue is completely different. It's good stuff. I've never used it, but there are instruments 400+ years old built with it. That's good enough for me.

I use Titebond original for ease of use and availability.