<HTML>In a message dated 12/19/02 12:13:58 AM !!!First Boot!!!, mcpiano@globetrotter.net writes: <BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE style="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px">Hello, I'm just about ready to finish the underside of my new soundboard. Should I avoid finishing the surround area (where it's going to get glued to the rim)? Is it better to finish both sides at the almost same time ? Is it safe to finish the top side "before gluing the bridges" or should I finish the underside, then glue the bridges, then the board to the rim and then only finish the top ?? Many questions but I prefer to ask before than after. Thanks Marcel </BLOCKQUOTE> I've never done a new board before, but it would seem to me that you would want to glue bridges and ribs to raw wood, instead of finished wood, for a more solid adhesion. Just my thoughts on the matter. Wim </HTML>