like the back, after a lot of attention to a good fit all the way around, gluing on the soundboard went smoothly. clamps are used at the head end due to the shape deviating from the pure dome of the dish in order to accomodate the flat where the fretboard will be located. The rest of the top is clamped using the domed dish as a caul and a few weights for pressure. the waist and top to bottom spreaders are in place when gluing on the top and are removed through the sound hole after the glue has set.