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Bracing critique
http://www.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=32071		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  GRS [ Mon May 02, 2011 1:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Bracing critique
Hi!,

I was hoping that I might get some feed back on the bracing before I close up the box.
Its an OM sized guitar. The braces started out about 9/16 high and a little over a 1/4 wide. The finger braces are 9/32 high.

Thanks very much!

Gary
Author:  Howard Klepper [ Mon May 02, 2011 2:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bracing critique
Looks overbraced.
Author:  Gtrman13 [ Mon May 02, 2011 2:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bracing critique
Howard Klepper wrote:
Looks overbraced.


Agreed. I'd shave em down quite a bit.
Author:  GRS [ Mon May 02, 2011 2:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bracing critique
Thanks....that's what I kinda thought. Any advice/guidance on how far and which ones to shave them down?
I followed the dimensions given in the old Fine Wood Working article by Grit Laskin....but the guitar he describes is larger.

Thanks again!
Author:  jac68984 [ Mon May 02, 2011 3:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bracing critique
I agree that it looks overbraced. Knowing nothing about the thickness or stiffness of your top, it looks like you could stand to lose a significant amount of bracewood. Leaving bracing from the center of the X-brace up fairly heavy isn't really a that big of a problem, IMO. But I would likely take some height off the lower legs of the X-brace and taper them a bit more aggressively, and drastically reduce your finger braces and 2 horizontal braces in the lower bout. I would be significantly worried about the horizontal brace closest to the bridge plate unnecessarily robbing string energy and would reduce its weight and strength accordingly.
Author:  jac68984 [ Mon May 02, 2011 3:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bracing critique
Not enough info to tell you how far to go. Too many variables. In my limited experience, I have been successful shooting for a strong, ringing tap-tone with decent sustain and like to feel some flex in the lower bout and the wings where the fingerbraces are located when holding the top through the soundhole and near the perimeter.

I would highly recommend John Mayes's video regarding voicing. Six years or so ago, I'd have said the DVD was worth its weight in gold. But at $1400+ per ounce currently, it would almost be worth it, but not quite. :P
Author:  nickton [ Mon May 02, 2011 3:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bracing critique
That lower brace looks especially hefty. Kinda looks like an x brace to me.
Author:  GRS [ Mon May 02, 2011 4:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bracing critique
Great advice....I'll sharpen up my chisels tonight.

Thanks very much!
Author:  meddlingfool [ Mon May 02, 2011 4:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bracing critique
FWIW, that is basically a Larrivee pattern, I think he worked for Jean once. Larrivee x braces taper to about 3/16" by the first brace and 1/16 by the 2nd brace to the end.
Author:  Steve Saville [ Tue May 03, 2011 1:25 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Bracing critique
meddlingfool wrote:
FWIW, that is basically a Larrivee pattern......
Yes, it is what gives them their distinctive sound. I'm not a fan as I think those braces bridging the X-brace below the bridge patch tend to makes that important large area of the lower bout too stiff and makes too much of the lower bout unable to move as much as I like.
Some like that sound.
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