How to Glue a Guitar Bridge Tips & Tricks (with a Demo using Hot Hide Glue) Beau Hannam Guitars

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

If you enjoyed this video please LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to help my channel grow!- Thanks so much

[@short6691]

I glued a bridge I positioned with the tape stack bumpers yesterday. It worked great! Many thanks for this trick!

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Super cool!!! Glad it helped- did you use hide glue??

[@larryatha3221]

This was very useful to me, thanks. I’ve used wax on my classical bridges but it was applied after gluing. I’m making my steel string bridges just like this and I wanted to use hide glue. All of this was very helpful to me.- thanks Beau

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Hi Larry- Thanks so much for your message. Pre waxing sure helps! and wait 15 mins before peeling off the HHG residue. and use the low tack tape. i find it way easier then trying to clean up the glue while its "wet"- which always gets messy for me. and thanks for the super thanks!!!!!!!!!_ i REALLY appreciate it.

[@edmiller4149]

Amazing attention to detail and excellent advice, Beau. I’m doing a bridge repair now and this helps. Tanks.

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks Ed. My pleasure

[@br4513]

Thank you so much, Beau, you saved me a lot of worry! I came across your video, when i realised, that there is now way to place my mono-bridgecaul inside my ukulele build properly and get three clamps inside the soundhole. Now i go with one Clamp with bridge caul similar to yours through the soundhole and clamp the wings from outside with klemmsias. Wish me luck!

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks so much, and Good luck! You can do it

[@br4513]

@@BeauHannamGuitars Thanks! How much opening time do i have, before the hide glue jells?

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

One of my recent videos goes into hot hide glue tips- it depends on how hot the thing(s) is you're putting the glue onto and how hot the room is. I give myself about 20 seconds if its heated.

[@DrRonaldSIpock]

I didn't know you had a channel. I've been saving up for a custom baritone uke from you. I'm glad to be able to offer my support.

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks Ronald :)- it will be my pleasure to make you something :)

[@DrRonaldSIpock]

@@BeauHannamGuitars I'm sure of it. But what I am envisioning is gonna run $4000-$5000 and so I am trying to get half saved up before I even approach you. And now my wife says she needs a new car. That harridan has no sense of priorities. What is the point of locomotion if I don't have an instrument with a stauffer headstock!

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

@@DrRonaldSIpock hahhaha- id advise to make your wife happy first then place an order! hahaha- Send me an email ([e-mail]) and ill send an order form for you to look at.

[@PemaWangchuk12]

Don't mean to pry, but I'm absolutely intrigued about any update on the ukulele.

[@DrRonaldSIpock]

@@PemaWangchuk12 As of this writing, the baritone is scheduled to be completed some time around the first of the year. I will contact Beau sometime in October to go over all the specs to ensure that I get the uke I want. Are there any specifics in particular that you want?

[@fransgreg]

Interesting tricks and tips! Thanks Beau!

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

My pleasure

[@jonahguitarguy]

Thanks for that info Beau. Good stuff for sure.

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks Dane-

[@walterrider9600]

thank you Beau

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

My pleasure

[@bearded_rigger]

Another great video, Beau! Some great tips here that I’ll try soon. How about a video on working with Cocobolo?

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

I am about to finish a cocobolo guitar so ill do a video on it (if i remember) - about sealing it etc

[@liamm9400]

Great video Beau. Very generous with your knowledge. I have a couple of questions. Where can I get some of those clamps? (I am in Far North Queensland). Also what are your thoughts re Titebond Green for this? Cheers mate. I am fixing a few guitars and hope to tackle a full guitar build when I am confident. Your videos will and have been a great help

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks. Stew Mac sell Those clamps. Titebond original RED cap is the best titebond for bridges (and everything else). Don’t use green as it’s more rubbery (hence it’s waterproof)

[@oscarjagal1081]

Thx to sharing you experience well done 👏 I have some questions - did you apply to much pressure to the clamps... or just normal pressure ,and how long you will keep the clamp on the bridge when using hide glue ?. - what grams of hide you are using or you recommend ? -do i need to remove the oil on rosewood and ebony wood when i using hide glue ? Normal i remove the oil from ebony and rosewood whe. I use titebond orginal. Sorry too many questions but i like to use and try hide glue on bridge. Thx 😊

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks :) 1- Typical clamping pressure I’d say- no need to really clamp it hard. 2- I always keep bridge clamps on over night. I try not to string a guitar/uke up to full tension for 2 days just to be safe but you can add enough tension to strings to get the action mostly there. 3- I use 192 gram strength. 4- I sand the bottom of the bridge to match the radius of the top- that is enough in regard to removing oil.

[@oscarjagal1081]

@@BeauHannamGuitars thank you so much beau for the information very helpful I'll try the hide glue on the bridge thx again 😊

[@larryatha3221]

Thanks!

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks so much Larry ❤️

[@scaira60]

Beau, Amazing as usual👏👏👏💪💪💪 I would love too see how you do that scroll inlay That just blows my mind every time I see it. I know a lot of people use CNC machines too cut stuff like that out but that’s cheating..

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks- I have an inlay video planned, but no inlay to film!- I might be doing one soon so I’ll be filming it.

[@scottlawrence8092]

Good tricks! thanks

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

My pleasure- thanks for watching :)

[@humminglake]

have a lifting pyramid bridge.... great info. Work ahead of me, but informed work. Thanks!!!!!

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks Seth :)

[@cattaraugustonawanda4426]

Useful information, especially about glue masking and waxing. The music........might want to rethink it next time. Love Cuban and jazz etc but not as a mashup and not as loud background.

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks for the feedback- when I listened to the background music it didn’t seem very loud when I talked but it seems it is- I’ll be sure to lower it way down next time - also, I’ll be recording guitar playing to have as more appropriate music for a luthier.

[@cattaraugustonawanda4426]

@@BeauHannamGuitars No biggie. Guitar salsa music ??? : ^)

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

@@cattaraugustonawanda4426 Hahahha- whatever I can manage to play half decently!

[@cattaraugustonawanda4426]

@@BeauHannamGuitars You can play anything as you have demonstrated in videos. Actually, I think a salsa/Cuban arrangement for guitar would be awesome ! Assume you listen to a variety of music as you craft your instruments? As I wait for materials and tools to arrive and build the odd tool which takes time I enjoy watching your videos.

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

@@cattaraugustonawanda4426 Thanks mate- I just improvise everything, I can't actually play anything!

[@stratocactus]

Waxing the bridge is a very useful trick ! I'll try to remember that when gluing my 2 next bridges (with HHG also). What do you do about the waxed bridge afterwards ? Do you keep it waxed and buff it, or do you remove the wax with naphta or mineral spirits ?

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

I sand my bridges to about P1200 then wax, then buff (before i glue it one of course). I didnt go into any of that in this video but will in a future video. The wax does dry hard if you leave it on chunky. Just keep it thin and after the bridge is glued on i rub it a bit with some paper towel and it's all good. Also, I didn't mention (cuz i forgot) that if you are using titebond, you dont need to wax (if you have the bridge pre waxed/buffed) but it never hurts.

[@stratocactus]

@@BeauHannamGuitars Thanks ! Strangely I never thought of waxing my bridges (I oil them) though I finish my instrument with shellac, and a thin protective wax layer (renaissance wax). I've glued them with titebond so far, but I'm more and more confident with HHG so I'll give it a try :)

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

@@stratocactus I wax the bridges with renaissance wax then buff. I then use the cheaper wax to coat them so the glue doesn't stick. HHG has better share strength then titebond, which is better for bridges.

[@stratocactus]

@@BeauHannamGuitars Thanks for the help !

[@lynpugs]

I am wondering if the top and bridge need to be heated before applying the hide glue?

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

As I’m working, I rest the bridge on the glue pot lid, which warms it. I usually don’t hear the top as I’m quick enough with the clamps to not have to but it’s a good idea to. I do a dry fit and have all the clamps ready to go though. If I warm the top I heat a piece hardwood in the shape of the bridge with a heat gun and place it on the bridge area- rather the heat gunning the top or with a heat lamp.

[@lynpugs]

@@BeauHannamGuitars Thank you. I appreciate your time.

[@jipes]

Indeed very neat job. BTW did someone told you that you're looking like a young Mark Knopfler ;o)

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks- hahhaha- i've not heard that i look like MArk Knopfler- I usually heard Edward Norton hahhaha

[@spencerdeaton7202]

What gram strength did you use for this bridge glue-up? Do you mix by weight?

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

I mostly use 192, but when I need to add more hide glue granules to fix the consistency I sometimes add 315 to it- you can mix gram strength granules

[@ahhimary3475]

If you remove the finish this may create space between the bridge and the underneath wood that may not allow direct wood to wood contact for the bridge to glue, what can you do to fill this space?

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

You mean you may pull up some top wood while removing finish? If it’s minimal I don’t worry about it but larger missing chunks of top wood should be replaced and leveled before regluing the bridge

[@ahhimary3475]

No, no top wood removed just the finish , in your video it shows space.

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

@@ahhimary3475 I remove 100% of the finish from 100% of the bridge foot print so it’s 100% wood to wood contact. There is no space.

[@ahhimary3475]

The finish usually make thin layer of 1mm if removed this is the space I am referring to if it affects wood to wood contact? or its going to be filled by the glue? usually the bridge for 3mm outside.

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

@@ahhimary3475​​⁠1mm is 0.040” thick which is about 10 times as thick as it should be- aim for 0.004- 0.007” finish thickness. There is no gap to fill with 100% footprint gluing

[@ahhimary3475]

Can I use Titebond original glue instead of Hot hide Glue? or PVA PolyVeny Acetate Glue?

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Yep

[@ahhimary3475]

What make you chose the glue? is it its holding strength? can I chose Gorilla wood Glue?

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

@@ahhimary3475 gorilla wood glue would work but I think that is similar to titebond 2 in that it is waterproof/resistant. You typically want something that isn’t that, like titebond redcap or hide glue. I use epoxy to glue some bridges on some cheap guitars and that is waterproof. But gorilla wood glue will work. (Titebond redcap is better though)

[@ahhimary3475]

What about using EVO-Stik Wood glue with resin strength will it as good as Titebond original wood Glue?

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

@@ahhimary3475 I don’t know that glue

[@maryam.2890]

Can I use hot glue

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Hot hide glue is not typical hardware store wood glue warmed up.

[@raytristani]

Wonderful! I always find this step rather irritating. Good stuff Beau!

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks Ramon :)

[@georgevillanueva6926]

Teenwolf lol heart beat sound I'll never forget it shoot it punk grrrrr

[@pallecla]

Nice video but annoying background music...

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

New York Jazz and Cuban music is t for everyone. - I plan on recording myself playing guitar so I can have more appropriate background music but I wanted to get this video out ASAP.

[@pallecla]

@@BeauHannamGuitars It is not the music itself, it is the volume level that is too high. I want to hear what you say 😉

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

@@pallecla thanks for the feedback- this was the first time doing back ground music for the whole thing. I’ll lower the vol for future videos :)