How to Assemble a Cello
The cello is second only in pitch and size to the massive double bass, but it is one of the three most popular classical instruments, along with the piano and the violin. The exquisite construction of this instrument involves the assembly of delicately crafted components. From its spruce top to its maple back, the cello is designed primarily for sound, not comfort. The use of hide glue allows the cello (and most classical instruments for that matter) to be routinely assembled and disassembled. This allows it to be cleaned, polished and re-tuned.
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Things You'll Need
- All cello component parts
- Liquid hide glue
- 36" adjustable wood bar clamps
- Work bench
- Utility knife
Instructions
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1
Take stock of your pieces. There are four major components of a cello: the front, the back, the ribs, and the neck.
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2
Remove any old, dried glue from the cello ribs using a utility knife. Use small, short strokes to avoid damaging the finish or the wood itself.
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3
Apply a half-inch strip of hide glue along the entire circumference of the front and back of the cello ribs.
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4
Place the ribs on top of the maple back piece. Make sure the instrument is lying flat on an appropriately sized work bench.
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5
Quickly and carefully place the spruce front on top of the cello ribs, sandwiching the ribs between the front and back of the cello.
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6
Clamp the front and back to the ribs and allow to sit overnight (at least 12 hours).
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7
Remove the clamps and stand the cello up.
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8
Apply hide glue to the neck bevel and press the cello neck in place. Allow up to 12 hours to dry.
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9
Snap the bridge to the body and string the cello accordingly.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Hide glue is strong enough to hold the instrument together, but it is not as strong as epoxy. Hide glue is designed to allow the instrument to be disassembled periodically.
Resources
- Photo Credit Image from Wikimedia Commons
