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So, I've got my new Englman top all braced up. It's an OLF-SJ. I started the braces at 3/4" per the plans. I'm trying out parabolic for the first time. Here's the question. Ive got the braces nicely shaped, around 9/16" high. When I tap over the tone bars, I get a great ring, and it sustains quite well, but when I get up to the bridge plate, and farther out to the sides around the x-braces, it gets dull and lifeless. Not like I've gone too far already, but like I haven't got there yet. Good, bad????? Any hints???? Seems like I should be taking more off the X, but I don't want to take them down to small. I've stopped carving, for fear of taking things too far.

Hopefully you more experienced builders out there can share your thoughts. THANKS

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Rob

I've got too many questions.
Do you have a picture?
One picture is worth... you know.

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It sounds like you are talking about tapping on the top that is already glued to the sides... Is this right?

If so, try moving your hand holding spot. You may find that many holding spots on the sides will damp out certain places on the top.... so you have to be creative where you hold it as you bonk away.

Good luck

John

Nope the top is not attached to the side. I've carefully worked it somemore, and I got it where I think it's good. I tapered the X down towards the ends a little and that seems to have helped. Thanks for the replies.

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Rob

I bet a BUNCH of people will disagree with me......but, the only place you need to tap it is at the bridge. That's where the sound starts with the strings. You need to listen all over the top, with your ear very close. If it sounds bad tapped at the bridge (while holding it where the neck will be) it will probably sound bad after it's a whole guitar. It will also change alot when you glue it to the rims. That's why I install the top before the back. It might come up with some dead spots after gluing it to the sides. Someone with hundreds of guitars behind them can probably tell more with a bare top than I can though.

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