Tail block on 50's Gibson

[Brhibler1]

Quick question before I proceed with my restoration on my 1955 Gibson LG1.
Is the top supposed to be glued to the tail block? I see old hide glue seepage on the back/tail block joint, but the top is loose and no old seepage.

[Ben-Had]

Originally Posted by Brhibler1

Quick question before I proceed with my restoration on my 1955 Gibson LG1.
Is the top supposed to be glued to the tail block? I see old hide glue seepage on the back/tail block joint, but the top is loose and no old seepage.

Yes, it should be glued.

[Brhibler1]

Awesome, thanks!
I'll glue that tomorrow.

[Brhibler1]

Also, I'm hoping to try my hand at my first build after it starts to cool off here in central Texas. What is a very good book to study up on for the traditional way of building and construction?

I've done tons of repairs of acoustics and want to start one from the ground up to know the ropes inside and out.

I already love working with hide glue and am great at finishing.
Thanks guys!
Love this forum!

[B. Howard]

I recommend this book.

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/listin...-2685270540562

[Ben-Had]

Originally Posted by B. Howard

I recommend this book.

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/listin...-2685270540562

Gotta give that a +1

[John Arnold]

I have seen the gap on many older Gibsons. It is partly due to their process, which involved gluing arched plates to a flat rim. You may need to add a bit of mahogany to the block to get a good joint without creating a depression in the top over the block.

[Brhibler1]

Thanks!

As far as the gap, it's only visible when I flex the top. I've been using my webcam to inspect everything and glue braces.

[Brhibler1]

Here's that tail block.
I mixed up a thin batch of hide glue and squirted it in there with my modified injector syringe. Let it run in, then clamped it. Wow, that was hard to clean up! Working on these small body guitars is a chore!