Double-bottomed dulcimer question

Hi friends, I am working on a double-bottomed dulcimer like those found on a Galax dulcimer (though mine is half Hourglass/half Elm leaf shape), and I am getting ready to attach the bottom board.

My question is this: Is it better to first glue the 'spacer blocks' (the small blocks between the two bottoms) onto the dulcimer's bottom and then attach the second bottom to them, or is it better to glue the blocks to the second bottom first, and then mount that assembly to the main body? I am trying to think how best to glue and clamp all those little blocks on...

Thanks for any and all suggestions!