BT&C Hide Glue

I am a tar player writing to seek your expert advice on selecting the appropriate hide glue for maintaining my instrument. A tar is a long-necked, double-bowled lute, traditionally crafted from mulberry wood and animal skin . For context, here is a link to the instrument for your reference: Tar (string instrument) - Wikipedia. I have always used a traditional, water-soluble, plant-based glue from Iran for this purpose. However, I have recently run out of my supply. I understand that for musical instruments, traditional Hide Glue (animal glue) is often preferred because it allows for future repairs. A key benefit is that joints glued with hide glue can be easily disassembled by applying heat and moisture, which is crucial for an antique instrument that requires periodic maintenance like an annual skin change . Additionally, many luthiers and players believe hide glue enhances vibration transfer due to its crystalline structure, which is vital for the sound quality of an instrument like the tar . Given that I need to change the skin on a very old instrument once a year, the ability to reverse the bond cleanly is essential. Could you please advise which of your Hide Glue products is most suitable for this specific application? Specifically, I am looking for a product that is: Warm-water soluble (allowing for future skin removal). Strong to hold the skin under tension. Suitable for use on a very old instrument (non-damaging to the aged wood). Thank you very much for your time and assistance. I look forward to your professional recommendation.

I just ordered 5lbs of the BT&C 251 gram strength hide glue granules at a significant savings per pound over the 1 lb option. I have been using hide glue for several years for furniture building: wall mirror units, book cases/cabinet, hall tree. I use various products from Antique Restorers with success and satisfaction. However, they do not offer the 251 gram strength granules. I have used the BT&C brand as purchased from Tools for Woodworking for a couple of years with great success and satisfaction for furniture application. I cannot speak to the other hide glues and gram strengths offered, but I highly recommend the BT&C 251 for general purpose and specifically for furniture joinery. I work exclusively with domestic and exotic hardwoods and find the 251 gram strength to be an ideal adhesive for mortise and tenon, tennoned miters, and sliding dovetails in particular, as well as fascia, face and side grain gluing. The 251 gram strength strikes a good balance between open time and relatively quick tack-up to grip pieces and prevent the soup sandwich under clamp pressure typically experienced with aliphatics. While it is not the optimum choice 100% of the time for all applications, it is my primary choice for furniture joinery. Additionally, I have been able to heat a glued joint with a heat gun and make minor adjustments as necessary on two large projects that presented a challenge for one man to glue and clamp -up.

Is there a possibility to get 1Lb 315 gram Strength-High glue in stock for me for violin making? I'm living in Germany. Your's sincerely, Dr.K.Schill

Very informative

I'm afraid I have to give the 192 gram strength high clarity glue a bad review. I've been a violin maker for 40 years and have used hot hide glue, usually 135 and 192 gram strength, for all that time, with no negative results. However, for no apparent reason, and using the glue in proper proportions and always fresh, the seams on both the top and back of the violin I am currently making have opened. I inserted an opening knife into the open seam and was able to easily pop the remaining joints, including at the end blocks, usually the most difficult area. Don't know if this is a contaminated batch of glue, but it certainly has caused me a great deal of problems and additional work. I had to toss the remaining glue.

BT&C hide glue is an excellent choice. There are VERY few situations in woodworking where hide glue is not the best choice in adhesives that can be made.

Yes, i used an is excellent!!