Official Luthiers Forum!

Before I attempt to build my first classical guitar, I write down and then ask questions. This question is about radius dishes. To glue the bracing to the top plate what radius should be used? When I sand the cross braces for back do I use the same form? Who am I!!!!! Why am I here?????

First - you should consult your building reference (Book or video).... It will have specific directions for what sort of top dome to use (If any).... If you change the way it's done significantly from that method - your neck and fretboard won't line up right...

Most classicals aren't built with a specific "Radius" per-se.... The old Spanish way is to use a hollow in the solera for the lower bout - where the upper bout is built flat... BUT... the specific amount of curve is related to the "School" of building you choose to follow...

What this means is that if THEY plan their build on a solera with say 1/16" dome in the lower bout and you use a radius dish - you will end up doing a whole bunch of adjustment to get the neck, fretboard, and action right....

Thanks

Richard, Robbie O'Brien's online video series on building a classical would probably be a good investment. It's over 25 hrs worth of quality, detailed instruction. The online format allows him to spend a lot of time on each subject. Robbie's a good teacher and explains things very clearly and methodically. I bought it without plans to build a classical, figuring I could pick up other tips that would apply to building steel strings. (disclaimer: I have nothing to gain financially or otherwise if you buy it, I just like it)

http://www.obrienguitars.com/?page_id=84

_________________
______________________________
Jonathan Kendall, Siloam Springs AR