Official Luthiers Forum!

In my never ending quest NOT to re-invent the wheel, I am wondering what information/opinions you folks could provide regarding how thin you can go on the back and sides (mahogany) on a steel string OM sized guitar. What happens from a sound standpoint?

Thanks, Peter

To put it simply, thinner is not better.
On an OM sized steel string I would optimally guage in these ranges:

.080" sides
.100"-110" top
.095-.105" back

you can vary these a bit depending on the cut and stiffness of the wood.
In general the thinner you go, the more you risk the loss of sustain and brightness resulting in an unpleasant overdriven and hollow tone.

With stiff, hard, strong woods (not mahogany) you can go thinner. I've had good results going to .080-.085" on the back with ebony and some rosewoods. Bruce Sexauer usually goes thinner than that. But if you are new to building and using mahogany, stay with .095-.100" for your back and .080" sides. You are more likely to lose than to gain going thinner.

_________________
Howard Klepper
http://www.klepperguitars.com

When all else fails, clean the shop.