Double Bass Re-attaching fingerboard: how much glue is enough?I

[GretschWretch]

I'm taking another stab at re-attaching the fingerboard of my 1/2 size Framus DB. The previous attempt I slathered a lot of hide glue on both the neck and fingerboard, in the hopes of the join being robust enough to withstand bump or jolt without the 'board getting knocked loose. Problem was, all that glue made the fingerboard slip and slide all over the place during the clamping process and I had to abandon the attempt and clean off the glue.

So, take two. Only this time I would like advice on how much glue is "enough," and what the consistency should be. Again, I want the fingerboard to be able to withstand the occasional bump or knock. But there a people on here who do this sort of thing all the time and I would appreciate some pointers.

TIA.

 

[dperrott]

use thinner glue. Thats why its slipping around. Your glue is too thick

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

I used to do the “coat both surfaces” thing too until Arnold S told me to knock it off because it actually weakens the bond. You want the glue to run like warm honey at temperature and apply a thin coat to one surface before clamping. If you don’t have appropriate cauls, you can probably use painter’s tape if both surfaces are true.

 

[GretschWretch]

Thanks to you both for your replies. I think I know enough now to get it right this time.

 

[Turnaround]

My favorite fingerboard clamps are bicycle tubes. Go to you local bicycle shop and you can probably get old tire tubes for free. Cut off a section where the valve is and you end up with nice stretchy clamps.

 

[RSBBass]

Surgical tubing also works.

 

[GretschWretch]

With hide glue you can press and rub the pieces together. As you rub they start to grab more and more until it's very difficult to move. That's when you set it in place and clamp with just enough pressure

Thank you for this. It would never have occurred to me.

 

[porkynuggets]

Thank you for this. It would never have occurred to me.

Just enough pressure as you rub them together, don't want to squeeze out the glue.