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I have a 1971 D35 on my bench for a neck reset. I don't do a lot of repairs. My experience is limited to working for friends and family.

This instrument has a very pronounced depression between the sound hole and the bridge and the usual bulge behind. I can find no loose or damaged braces, The only thing that seams out of the ordinary is the cloth patch at the X brace intersection. It was applied very dry and the ends of the threads are frayed. It extends only a very short distance down the sides of the braces, (barley bast the rounded top portion).

I really need some advise on how to handle this situation.

TIA
Cecil

this is a typical thing on D35s. The lighter braces will tend to do this . Can you post a photo . To correct this you may need to pull the plate. Is that also deformed ? Call me I can tell you the procedure.

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John Hall
blues creek guitars
Authorized CF Martin Repair
Co President of ASIA
You Don't know what you don't know until you know it

That is what they all do, I have yet to see a D35 more than 20 years old without this and many younger ones also. The structure will hold, set the neck to allow for this. I have seen a few that have had the bridge plate repaired and the owners lament the loss of sound.

Fred

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Fred Tellier
http://www.fetellierguitars.com
Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/FE-Tellier-Guitars/163451547003866

I really can't believe the generosity the folks on this forum. I just talked to John Hall and he very carefully explained the procedure for correcting this problem.

Thanks John and to all here who so generasly share thier knowledge.

Cecil

I have two 70's era D-35s in the shop with the same problem.
No loose braces-just a forward tilt of the top which causes the concave area in front of the bridge and the belly behind.
This tilt also helps the guitar to play sharp-which is also a 70's Martin curse because the bridge was NOT glued in the correct position.

I filled the saddle slot and routed a new 3mm(set back as far as I could go ) one that allowed better intonation & playabliity.

Mike

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Mike Collins