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Martin 0-12 top
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Author:  ChuckB [ Sun May 09, 2010 7:27 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Martin 0-12 top

Fillipo, I just finished a 0 size 14 fret with a larch top. The top was very stiff also, as stiff as some adi I have used. I had similar concerns. My top thickness ended up at .090 with light sitka bracing. Right off the bench, the bass was better than I expected and well balanced overall. If interested, could check my notes on the heidhts of the braces, remember this is a 14 fret.

Chuck

Author:  bluescreek [ Sun May 09, 2010 7:34 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Martin 0-12 top

I agree .090 to .095 with standard bracing. I would not go below .250 on bracing width. You should have a 3 5/8 sound hole

Author:  ChuckB [ Sun May 09, 2010 8:47 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Martin 0-12 top

Filippo, The X braces are .250 wide, .590 high at X intersection, .1875 (3/16") at lowes point on X scallop. Tone bars are 5/16" at highest point, scallopped to 1/8" and .200" wide. Some 0 size have only one tone bar, most 14 fret that I saw on UMGF had two, so I went with that. Finish thickness of top is .090". Here are pics of bracing.

Chuck

Author:  ChuckB [ Sun May 09, 2010 8:55 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Martin 0-12 top

And, 3 5/8" soundhole is normal as John said, but I went to 3 13/16" for a little more room in case I need to get inside later.

Thanks for looking, Chuck

Author:  Laurent Brondel [ Sun May 09, 2010 11:01 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Martin 0-12 top

I'm building two B-4s (similar to a 12 fret 0) at the moment, both with red spruce tops, and both ended up at .103". Bracing is red spruce, but I've used sitka successfully. Here's a pic of the first one. I use a 4" soundhole.

Author:  Laurent Brondel [ Sun May 09, 2010 4:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Martin 0-12 top

Filippo Morelli wrote:
Do you end up with thinner bracing with a thicker top?
Well, I don't consider .103 to be thick… For small guitars I use .250" braces except for finger braces that are .200" and the UTB .625". But yes, the braces are relatively low and thinly profiled.
EDIT: I forgot to add that I sand the lower bout perimeter after the box is closed. It's a bit different for every guitar, but the edge of the lower bout can end up being around .075".

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