The Steel Guitar Forum

Do PSG builders all use contact cement to glue mica on cabinets or do some use other things? How do they get a cabinet ready to add mica? Does the wood have to be sanded down by hand or a sander? I'm guessing the smoother the surface, the better. Never done it before. Is the mica clamped into place once the glue is applied? One last thing. Does the thickness of the mica have any effect on the tone/sustain of a guitar? Thanks.

To my knowledge all builders use contact cement. You can sand by hand or sander. Yes, smoother is better. No clamps needed, although you can use clamps with cauls.(blocks used to distribute clamping pressure) Most folks use a J-roller .available where mica is sold. Thickness affects sound although not everyone can hear the difference. It's not like night and day, it's more like night and evening. Put contact cement on both surfaces to be joined. Let dry to the touch(about 10-20 min. depending on temp. and humidity. Using sticks to keep the glued surfaces separate,carefully position the mica over the wood. Pull out the sticks one at a time and hope you got it where you want it. Roll it down with roller the trim with router. It would be best to practice on some boards first.