Glue Open Seams

Open seams can be annoying, but they are a sign of a healthy instrument. Changes in humidity and temperature cause the wooden plates of our instruments to swell and shrink. The glue that luthiers use on the seams of instruments is specially formulated to release as this shrinking or swelling occurs, preventing major damage like cracks from forming.

How do you know if you have an open seam? Frequently, you can see the gap between the front or back and ribs. Often the sound of the instrument will change, losing focus or projection. Buzzing or rasping is also very common.