Omar Al-Mufti - 9-6-2015 at 05:07 AM
Hey guys,
Hope all are doing good.
I need you help and advice regarding how to detach a soundboard.
I know that a razor is used and also heat and steam.
I don't know if this subject was discussed here. If so, I appreciate it if you could send me the link.
If the soundboard is surrounded by wood inlay, should the inlay be removed woth the sounbaord? Or should only the soundboardand be removed.
I would like to try this on a cheap oud, but I want to do it correctly
Many thanks in advance.
Dr. Oud - 9-6-2015 at 09:43 AM
Do not use steam, it can stain the soft wood of the face, and if the edge is laminated little pieces you can lose it. You only need warm water, and
just brush a little on the glue joint to soften the glue. Use a thin palette knife (from arts & crafts store) to work the glue joint loose. You
can heat the knife to help soften the glue. I use a small kraft heating iron, or use two knives, heating one in hot water as you work with the other.
You'll need to remove the edging first to get to the ends of the braces glued to the inside of the ribs. Save the edging in order as you remove it and
tape it to a cardboard or plywood sheet. When all the edging is removed, start at the tail end and loosen the face glued to the tail block.
With all the edging removed you'll see the ends of the braces. Apply warm water and work the braces loose from the ribs, starting from the tail end to
the neck. The top of the face is glued to the neck block and this joint is deep so it takes extra care to remove without damage. Warm water and the
thin knife will do the trick, perhaps applying a little pressure with wedges to pry the face off the block.
Reglue any braces loose from the face and scrape clean the glue joints at the neck and tail blocks and the ribs at the brace ends with warm water and
a putty knife.