I’d like to build a mandolin with Macassar Ebony back and sides and an Engelmann Spruce top. I’ve seen some guitars made with this combination and have been intrigued for awhile with the idea of building a mandolin with Macassar. The stock I have will require a two piece back.
My problem is that I’ve tried gluing some test pieces with hide glue without success, they seem to come apart too easily. I’ve even tried cleaning the gluing surface with acetone and it doesn’t seem to help. The Macassar guitars I’ve seen have a back strip of another material which eliminates the need to glue Macassar to Macassar.
Do I need to use a back strip or has anyone had success gluing Ebony to Ebony or specifically Macassar to Macassar? I’d really appreciate any tips, tricks or advice on the subject.
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