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i have quite a few back sets stickered just screaming to be joined. Are there any issues if i was just to go right ahead and join them them lay them flat for storage until I am ready to proceed? Is it just a space issue to sticker large back pieces or is there anything i am missing that could cause any sort of damage to the backs. Plus, this may jump start my building if i have some joined and thickness sanded just waiting for sides and a top...and of course braces.

   You are better off to let them as they are. I press mine between 2 pieces of plywood. This keeps them flat and safe
john hall

yeah, thats what I do but sometimes I just want to see them together

I have been starting to join my backs and top plates soon as a client selects them, providing that they have made up there mind regarding any back strip issues. I like to glue them up and let them sit for a few months. This allows the glue ample time to cure, and (in my limited experience) reduces the chances of the center seam revealing itself after finishing, caused by glue shrinkage. So, to answer your question, I see no problem at all, so long as there properly supported (Stickered) and are flat.

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Lance@LuthiersForum.com

I have a set of lacewood that I bought from the Zoot Man that I joined almost a year ago. I also have a few top sets that I've joined. I realize a purist would cringe and all, but I just have the lot stored on a shelf in my humidity controlled shop, just stacked one atop the other. Some of the top sets have been joined for almost as long as the set of lacewood. None of them has moved an iota. This is just my experience, though, and I don't really recommend that you do the same just cuz it's worked OK for me.

Best,

Michael

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Live to Play, Play to Live

I too am beginning to think like Lance. I don't know that this will prevent any problems with glue shrinking, but I can't see any real down side to it.

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Brock Poling
Columbus, Ohio
http://www.polingguitars.com

I have about 8 tops(most with rosettes in them) and 8 backs joined and thicknessed to final dimensions for about 4 or 5 years(how pathetic am I !!) They are perfect. I keep them all together flat on a shelf with some weight on them. Hopefully one day I will get of my a#% and turn them into instruments.

A couple of years ago I was in Spain visiting different guitarmakers. One of the old masters had a stack of backs already Braced!! My experience is if you brace the back and don't quickly (1-2 days)attach it to the sides, it wants to twist. Gluing up tops and backs and keeping them flat has worked fine for me.