Official Luthiers Forum!

How do you all attach your guitar labels inside the guitar? I’ve avoided labels but too many of my instruments aren’t with their original owners...

I’d also love to know what type of paper you prefer and even what information you put on there as well. Post pictures if your label if you like. If you don’t have one share one that inspires you. I’m looking for all the help I can get.

Thank you in advance!

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_Mike Tracz
MCT Guitars
https://www.instagram.com/mustcreatethings/
https://www.youtube.com/mustcreatethings

I go to the art store an find a paper that looks classy.
I print with a laser printer
Sign with archival super fine felt pen (also purchased at the art supply store)
dry signature with a blow dryer then spary with a light coat of Krylon protective over the front of label
place the label where I want it
take a piece of green or blue making tape and tape one edge that will act as a hinge
coat the back with yellow or white glue (spread that glue with a credit card) with a piece of paper under the hinged back label to keep glue from the back.
hinge back in place and remove or slightly add needed glue.

The main thing to get is to hing the label into place. Trying to plop it down just where you want it may lead to madness.

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Michael F Smith
Goat Rock Ukulele
http://goatrockukulele.com

I make simple labels on my computer. I usually use Powerpoint but Word works also. I print the labels (I use two for each guitar), on a nice Goldenrod colored paper. I sign the label and spray with a protector the same as Mike above. Then I cut the labels out and glue with the kind of stick glue kids use in school. I also have an ink stamp kit and stamp on the back joint reinforcement- J. Beaver Guitars, Serial # and the date the guitar was built.

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Joe Beaver
Maker of Sawdust

I use a software from Hallmark.
I use double sided tape for attaching them.

Mike

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Mike Collins

I use an ink jet printer on parchment colored resume paper. Attach with thinned Tite Bond and then paint the surface with thinned Tite Bond, kind of like decoupage. I have a sign (drill sizes) in the shop I did this way over 20 years ago and it is still sharp and clear.

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Steve Smith
"Music is what feelings sound like"

This is how I do it, too. Thinned TB or lately I've been using thinned fish glue. I have a couple of different sizes depending on the instrument. Still fiddling with the text.

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Tony Thatcher
Bozeman, Montana

Been considering a branding iron myself, but another luthier I know simply uses a stamp


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Nice paper, print with laser printer. I glue them in with a kid's glue stick, which works great.

Chris-

The nicest paper and best archival ink won't protect your labels from dirt, insects, moisture, etc. I print my labels, write whatever I need to write on them, leave them oversize, apply 3M 468MP ( The stuff that luthier's supplies sell for pick guards, but that is much cheaper on Amazon.) double stick to the back side, then apply stationery store adhesive clear protector to the front side., cut out the shape, and then stick it to the instrument. No glue to smear or soak through the paper. Makes a very clean, pretty permanent label. I always stick my labels below the sound hole on the back so that viewers are not having to look at the label through the soundhole. I think it distracts from the clean look of the instrument.

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“ The meaning of life is to find your gift and the purpose of life is to give it away” Pablo Picasso

Printed on an inkjet in Word. Permanent marker for details, couple of coats of shellac and stuck in place with Titebond using tape hinge as described by Michael Smith above.

The Latin is from the Cumpiano book and translates as "I was alive in the forest, I was cut by the cruel axe, In life I was silent, In death I sweetly sing" (or at least I hope it does!)

Most people know this, but ordinary modern papers are acidic, making them yellow and fall to pieces over the decades. For long-term applications use acid free paper. Most papers sold for artistic use are acid free and say so on their packaging or in the display at the store.

A consideration for label content: if you are avoiding dalbergias and shell products in case any of your guitars are taken across international borders, your label could list the common and species names of the materials you use instead. Not a guarantee of no hassle at the border, but it can't hurt and might help.

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Tim Allen
"Never hurry, never rest."

I use good artist paper as well and a laser jet printer. I sign it, put the year, sometimes month and year and a number that indicates information about the guitar. For example the image below it's my 53rd guitar 3rd parlor guitar. I've since changed that to CB to indicate that it a particular parlor guitar. But anyway I'm the only one who would ever know what that means but it might be interesting some day if it ever comes back through my shop. I typically use Titebond or White Glue. I don't remember what guitar it was that came through my repair shop probably some 20 years ago but the label inside looked like it had burnt edges adn I always liked that look so I adopted it. I use a cigarette lighter to burn and char the edge of the label.

Very cool label John

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Joe Beaver
Maker of Sawdust

Thank you everyone for your replies and suggestions. I’m going to work on my label this weekend and hopefully have something to share soon.

I love this place and all the the help you offer!

And excellent labels, sincere!


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_________________
_Mike Tracz
MCT Guitars
https://www.instagram.com/mustcreatethings/
https://www.youtube.com/mustcreatethings

I use dilute Titebond (50/50?). Here is one I had a friend make for me to my design - he used Photoshop. Printed on a conventional printer on conventional paper, with the glue carefully brushed on because it can cause the ink to bleed. This was for a Nick Lucas Special copy I made for my blues playing daughter. Labels are VERY important.

Ed