What is the best glue for repairing a laminated guitar body?

Got a nice old Hohner Profesional Les Paul copy (L59T) with a rather georgeous flamed maple top. The lamination has started to separate slightly under the maple cap at the top edge of the rather substantial routing for the Kahler trem bridge. This is only slight but extends through one or two layers of the lamination enough to tip the bridge up slightly at that top edge. I've fabricated clamps and a press to apply the correct pressure over the affected area but am not sure 100% about : -

a) the best glue to use ( will the type of glue make a difference to the sustain?)

b) How best to prepare the wood prior to glueing.?Various things have been suggested from warming the wood with a hair dryer to applying steam. What's best?

Apart from the above, the guitar is in immaculate condition and looks almost as nice as my ( even older) original Hohner Les Paul Law Suite model. Big question is, will it play as well?

I'll let you know when I get it fixed and set up.

Thanks in advance!

What is the best glue for repairing a laminated guitar body?

I would be careful with steam. Steam is injected into joints like the neck, to get the old glue to release so the joint will come apart. Especially with hide glue. If it's something that might have to be taken apart at a later date for future repair, hide glue is the way to go. Violin Luther's use hide glue. This is also where a hair dryer might be used carefully to warm the wood. If hide glue dries to quickly, it gets gummy and also loses strength.

If the repair is something that shouldn't need to be taken apart in the future, glues like crazy glue can be used. They come in different drying times.

If you can go the price, take it to a luthier or repair shop.

If not, check out all your options.

Good Luck

What is the best glue for repairing a laminated guitar body?

Stewart McDonald

www.stewmac.com

Your answers will be on this web sight as well as all the professional guitar building supplies. They have great pod cast on repairing fine stringed instruments. But be careful. Some of the tasks you speak of should only be performed by a skilled experienced luthier.