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Western Red Cedar top
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Author:  Pete0530 [ Sun Sep 16, 2012 12:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Western Red Cedar top
I am starting a new build using western red cedar for the first time, although I have built several instruments using Sitka and Engleman spruce. Are there any considerations as far as top thickness and bracing that I should be aware of?

Thanks!

Pete
Author:  WaddyThomson [ Sun Sep 16, 2012 1:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Western Red Cedar top
Many say it should be 20 - 25% thicker, but I say treat it like it feels. Thickness depends on the piece of wood in your hand.
Author:  jsmith [ Sun Sep 16, 2012 2:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Western Red Cedar top
I agree with Waddy. Each piece of wood has its own properties. Thickness depends on its stiffness & how it taps out. Also, WRC is very soft. Belch within a block of it and you get a dent. Chances are you'll be a master at steaming out dents by the end of the project.
Author:  Kent Chasson [ Sun Sep 16, 2012 3:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Western Red Cedar top
One other consideration is that cedar and redwood have less sheer strength than spruces so I like my X brace to be a little wider for more glue surface area. I'm also extra careful when scoring the finish around the bridge. If you score into the wood fibers, you really increase the chances of the bridge peeling.
Author:  Pete0530 [ Sun Sep 16, 2012 3:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Western Red Cedar top
Thank you.
Author:  Murkar [ Tue Sep 18, 2012 8:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Western Red Cedar top
This is not related to bracing etc. but something to consider. I don't have much experience (I am on my first acoustic build now, with WRC top) but with the little experience I've had so far with the red cedar I've found that no matter how I cut the soundhole (I've done a couple with ukuleles and now this guitar) I end up having to clean it up a bit with titebond because the end grain inside the soundhole is so soft that the wood fibers tend to open up and fall apart easily. Might want to think about this when cutting yours, I don't believe this is really a problem with spruce but you may want to be a little more cautious when cutting the soundhole than you otherwise would be. :P
Author:  Tony_in_NYC [ Wed Sep 19, 2012 8:36 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Western Red Cedar top
I have built two dreadnoughts with WRC tops. Both ended up in the area of .105" thick. But both pieces of WRC were very stiff in my opinion. Both guitars sound great and the guy who bought the second one I made has raved about it. I have the first. So like others have said, thickness depends on the piece of wood, don't burp near it or it will dent, and it should make a nice guitar.
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