Construction:Methods:Fretboard:Joining

Joining the Top

Top and Fretboard Joined--Click to see full size

Now we have a completed body, top, and fretboard. They all have to come together now. First the top and fretboard are joined, then that assembly glued to the body.

The top and fretboard are joined with an unconventional method: varnish and screws! This joint is so critical, I don't want it to come apart no way, no how. The varnish makes a good bond with the top, yet the joint is easily parted with a hot knife. I use brass #4x3/8"--two in each "foot" of the fretboard.

After the joint has cured well, I prepare the body to receive the top. First, the top edges of the body's sides are sanded absolutely flat and planar with an old wallboard sanding tool. Then the body is returned to the building jig and clamped in. Next, a weak preparation of hide glue is applied to the top edges of the sides. We want this joint to be weak because if anything stresses it, we don't want the top to get folded, spindled or murbulated. We just want the joint to give up before anything else can go wrong. So, weak glue here (not to worry, it'll still be strong enough to take it in a rough world). Now the top is clamped on and let set for about two hours.

After the glue has set enough to withstand some handling, I take the completed dulcimer out of the building jig. It's ready for the varnish.

Dwain Wilder

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