Hide Glue Gram Strength for Neck Set?

[Arnold Schnitzer]

I totally agree with Robert (by the way, welcome!). I used to use 315 gs hide for gluing up top and back plates, the theory being that the strongest glue should be used on the permanent joints. But it was always a "Chinese Fire Drill" trying to get the glue spread, put the joint together and clamp it up before gelling occurred. For the last several years I have used exclusively the 192gs from Bjorn, and I have never had anything close to a joint failure. The open time is longer, and the clean-up seems easier too. I personally add a little urea to the glue to suppress gelling for a few extra seconds, and of course warm up the pieces before spreading the glue.

[Tyler Bolles]

Thanks to all for the added info!

Arnold, could you be specific about how much urea you add?

And yes, the neck set went fine. I've been playing on the bass for months since, and with a better-fit neck joint, the bass sounds and plays better than it ever did!