Canadian Glue in Australia

Subject: Canadian Glue in Australia
From:
Date: 09 Mar 01 - 05:19 AM

When I got back to Sydney after an absence of 3 1/2 weeks I opened up the case of my LaPatrie and found that the bridge had become un-glued. I reported this to the shop who sold it to me and the man there said this was the second such case in the last few weeks. I usually don't keep the instrument in Sydney, so I don't know if it would have come undone in the cooler, drier climate where I usually keep it.

This incident combined with reports from dealers in Sydney that they won't handle Larrivee guitars because the glue comes undone in the local climate makes me wonder. Has any other Australians had this experience with Canadian-made guitars?

By the way, even though it is out of warranty, the shop is going to get it repaired at no charge to me. So I should mention their name. Intermusic at Bondi Junction.

Murray

Subject: RE: Canadian Glue in Australia
From: Lady McMoo
Date: 09 Mar 01 - 05:38 AM

Murray,

I'm not Australian and don't have direct experience of the situation you describe but probably the problem is extreme differences in heat and humidity between the different areas, both your normal location and Sydney and Canada and Sydney. I presume LaPatrie and Larrivee are using hide glues in construction and these can be prone to problems, particularly in relation to direct heat and humidity. Was the case exposed to any direct sunlight, e.g. through a window?

Best regards,

mcmoo

Subject: RE: Canadian Glue in Australia
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 09 Mar 01 - 07:57 AM

G'day Murray,

I keep pointing out to people that the guitar has only a fairly short history in Australia, since traditional instruments fell apart in the extreme climate changes we inflict on them. What made the guitar work in the 20th century was modern adhesives (and judicious application of plywood ... (or, at least, laminates).

Hope they get yous fixed right and it lives happily ever after at Bleakheath.

Regards,

Bob Bolton