Violin joints and Glue

John Steele (deceased) · From: Renfrew, Ontario, Canada

A glue joint gave way on an old plywood upright bass, and the headstock is completely off. No wood damage, just the glue joint let go. Seems to be clean, and an easy-enough fix. My question is about glue.
The glue which was used for the last repair of the same joint (25 years ago - done professionally) looks like shellac. No doubt it is some sort of common violin maker's glue.
I know violin makers use glue for the front and back which is weaker than commercial wood glues, so it can be taken apart again, but I can't see why you'd ever want to see this joint in the headstock ever come apart. I'll be doing the repair, and I'm tempted to use strong commercial wood glue.
Is there any reason I shouldn't ? Any other advice/comments appreciated.
- John

Bill Hatcher · From: Atlanta Ga. USA

should be done with HOT hide glue, NOT the cold variety you see at some hardware stores.

problem is that you need a glue pot and the necessary skill to mix it and know how to use it.

take the bass in to a bass repair person and have it glued back. it will last another 20 or 30 years. and when it gives up, it can be repaired again. modern glues...not recommended. the violin family is made to take apart easily for repairs. hide glue separates easily with heat.

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