Official Luthiers Forum!

I am just curious as to how many of you would inlet the back bracing into the linings of an OLF SJ ( modified) when using indian rosewood. I know the walnut and mahogany guitars I built did not require such action, but I also know rosewood is a bit more prone to cracking than those other woods . I did use the "x" bracing option on this back.
Thanks Jody

I inlet all my back bracing , I go into the kerfing but do not cut through the sides.

_________________
John Hall
blues creek guitars
Authorized CF Martin Repair
Co President of ASIA
You Don't know what you don't know until you know it

A few people have mentioned that they go into the lining but not through the sides. What is the purpose for this?

It provides a measure of protection to keep the the brace ends from popping up. Martin has always done so. A bit of extra work but worth it IMO.

I think the idea of not going through to the sides is to prevent the binding from being forced open if a brace were to expand with humidity, or the sides to shrink from lack of same. I did it with many of my early instruments and never had a problem, though.

_________________
It's not the miles ahead, it's the stone in your shoe


In Markham,Virginia

there are a few positives of this. As noted you don't have the hollow behind the binding. Also by going through the sides you create a weak area where a split can start. It may take a little more work but it is worth it.

_________________
John Hall
blues creek guitars
Authorized CF Martin Repair
Co President of ASIA
You Don't know what you don't know until you know it

I've seen a couple old guitars were the back braces pushed out the binding and made some huge ugly gaps in the purfling. After hearing that Romanillos for the same reason leaves about 1mm of space between end of brace and side I do the same. I'll note that for the Torres or Romanillos methods, the ends of the braces are full height. I would imagine that when the end is heavily scalloped, that elasticity can absorb some of the stress caused by shrinking.

_________________
Build log