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I read in the Courtnall book that Hauser senior domed his tops.
Does that mean it can be build on a radius dish?
IF yes what radius would give the equivalent of 3mm at the bridge
Ronald

I won't say it cant be built on a radius dish, but you will introduce a whole new set of geometry that will make the build more complicated than it needs to be. Classical guitars have a flat upper bout and a domed or flat lower bout. Hauser Sr built on a flat solera, for the most part. I have read that he put some radius in his TB below the sound hole to create a tiny dip. However he then used a preshaped bridge to pull the top into a dome when he glued it on.

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Waddy

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Sound Clips of most of my guitars

Ronald-
Waddy is correct- it will be much easier to build a classical top using a 'typical' flat solera with a hollow in the lower bout.

I think that many builders believe that the location of the 'arching' affects the sound, and using an even curve (from a spherical-type radius dish) would change the response of the top. Also, fitting transverse braces to a spherical top would involve extra work.
If this is your first guitar, my advice would be to follow a fairly traditional 'path' with your build.

If you've built steel-string guitars using a radius dish, you can apply some of the ideas from the SS world to your classical project:
It is possible to just build the top (top and bracing) on the solera and then use an outside mold for some of the assembly steps.
You can also attach the neck with a dovetail joint (Fleta??) or even bolt-on, though the latter may raise some eyebrows in the classical world.

And, you could use a radius dish on the back.

Cheers
John

Probably true at one time (the eyebrow thing) but some fine builders are using bolt on these days, and even adjustable necks. I think most of the younger players are over it. doesn't make me like it though!

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars