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Proof that one should keep his mind on what he is doing; my top plates are about 85 thousands. Any chance of using this top for a D size accoustic?

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RJS

I guess not, better it aside for a small guitar...

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Build log

Well, it's definitly on the thin side of things.

If I were you and the guitar was planed for me, than I'd give it a try. If it's for a customer, than a new top is the safer solution.

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Alain Moisan
Former full time builder of Acoustics, Classicals and Flamencos.
(Now building just for fun!)

Sounds like someone needs to try there hand at a mandolin with that wood . LOL welcome to the darkside !

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You could build a size 2 also. Mine are around 0.090. You could get by with .085. Get another top for your Dred.

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It's not what you don't know that hurts you, it's what you do know that's wrong.

It all depends on how stiff the wood is.

I would happily use it on an L-0, Ditson GC, O size or most anything with a lower bout less at 14" or less....
A Ramirez or Torres style classical also comes to mind here...

Can you make a Dread out of it? Sure.. you can build a Dread out of it.... Properly braced, it won't come apart... Is there a possibility it will come out too thin and you will need to run light strings on it... Yep... Will it sound good? Possibly, though it won't be a Bluegrass cannon....

Good luck

John

I am with Todd here. This a perfect opertunity to try your hand at a double top

0.90 is not too thin, but thickness is really trivial. It all depends on the stiffness. I had some lutz that I used for a 12 string SJ and I ended up with 0.89. Yep and SJ and a 12!!!! To date, acoustically, my finest instrument. I use deflection to test stiffness and use different degrees for different size bodies etc

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Andy Z.
http://www.lazydogguitars.com

my first was an OM sized guitar and thicknessed the top to .09" graduating to .085 at the edges. and its sounding fine and there has not been a problem with it yet. i would guess .085 would work just fine.

Yes, but 09 finished thickness and likely good wood is one thing, 085 going down to 08 finished (even less if something bad happens, and it usually does), of unknown quality wood, is quite another thing.

One option is to change the bracing some. Bigger X, 3 tone bars (like on a 12 string) and a 3x3 lattice in the lower opening of the X.

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Build log

It all depends on the wood, and unless you have some reliable way to test it ther'es no way to know. Most people are not nearly as good at 'flex testing' as they think they are, and something more objective is best. I've got tops that might be OK on a Dread at .085",(although I'd put them on an OM or smaller) and others that I'd be leary of using on a classical at that thickness.

If you did not want the top this thin don't use it
You have only a small investment in this top at this stage better to start again.
IMO bracing should not be used to compensate for a too thin and flexible top.
The top still has to span between the braces.
Keep it for a small instrument or cut it into back reinforcement strips.

Thanks for all your comments. A great forum indeed.

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RJS