Top or Back First

[Lex]

I Just wanted to get some discussion going on what is best, ie Pro s or Cons of gluing a back on first or the top.
I normally put the back first as then I can clean up any glue squeeze out that could be seen through the sound hole, but would be interested in any Ideas or comments and what others do.

Cheers Tod G

[Mark McLean]

I normally put the back first as then I can clean up any glue squeeze out that could be seen through the sound hole

Yep, that is my thinking too. However, I often don't need to clean up much with the reverse kerfing that I currently use - so it doesn't end up making a difference. So, I am open to a convincing argument to do it the other way around.

[demonx]

I'm only new to the Acoustic scene, but the person guiding me has instructed back first.

[jeffhigh]

I'm Top first, suits my way of building.
I put the soundboard face down on the dish in the go bar deck and use my short go bar set around the rim and lining to clamp during gluing.
Then I glue in a tight fitting fillet between UTB and neck block and put in any bridge plate pickups etc
Then I glue the back on using the go bars(with shims to the back to protect it) With care to use an appropriate amount of glue spread on the linings, squeeze out into the box is not a problem.

[kiwigeo]

I can think of equal reasons to fit the back or top first. Top first is currently my preference as it allows me to visually check the integrity of the adhesion of the top around the neck block area.

[ozziebluesman]

I'm top first and then I can fine tune the braces if necessary.
When I glue the back on I clamp up with back on the bench so gravity keeps the glue from running.
Not using too much glue is also important to keep it all tidy in there.
Cheers
Alan

[Allen]

Spanish style building, so it's top first.

[peter.coombe]

I'm top first on mandolins and guitars.

[Steve.Toscano]

As per Allen, (mostly) spanish style so top first in a solera.
For non spanish style i still do top first out of habit.

[kiwinoz62]

I'm currently building an OM at Gerard Gilet workshop in Sydney ( a real experience ) and they put back on first then the top.
All because of glue squeeze out and then having to clean it up.

[Lex]

It seems that its a personal choice or a choice for the style or way one builds , as I said before ,I normally put the back first ,but with my current build I have decided to go with top first so that I can check my neck angle,pre fretboad hopefully get that geometry closer than I have in the past, and also should make it easier to install under saddle transducer, well I will know soon enough if the decision was right or not.