Official Luthiers Forum!

One of the things I have struggled with in guitar building was kerfed linings. I found the traditional triangular type a bit of a nause to make and install.Also in letting of braces was always a problem ...Blowouts particularly on the X braces.A few years ago I was introduced to Charlie Fox's reversed linings,considered them for a while and decided they were more work and harder to install.Fox's linings are made from two pieces. A few years later I seen the regular one piece reversed lining and these looked easier to make but still I persisted with the traditional rectangular ones.Finally this winter I relented and decided to use the reversed lining. This is some of what I discovered....
1. Easier to make
2. Easier to install.....pre bent on the outside of the rims after wetting with warm water.
3. Easier to inlet braces and NO BLOWOUTS.
4. They really stiffen the rims...install with the rims in the mold.
5. I love them and I AINT GOING BACK....!!!
The only concern is their effect on tone,for me I will hear the result in a few months time.Maybe a few folks could chime in and let us know their impressions of the reversed linings.
Think I got through that with out falling into the usual kerfing trap...!!!
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Tom

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A person who has never made a mistake has never made anything!!!

Tom,
I switched 3 years ago also, and love reverse kerf linings. I noticed my guitars and instruments have more projection. I believe it comes from stiffer sides which forces the top and back plates work together. Similar to the way a speaker works. This is my theory, but I can't prove it. I even used it on a concert ukulele, and it turned out really nice. I'll never go back to triangle linings.

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Tracy
http://www.luthiersuppliers.com

I like the reverse kerf much better as well. I started with traditional (even did one "capped" traditional....made me nuts!) before trying reverse. I figured out how I could make them & never looked back. (I did a tutorial a couple of years ago...in the "archived OLF tutorials" if anyones interested)

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Dave
Milton, ON

I use the reverse kerf, mainly because of the blowout resistance. They do stiffen up the rim by itself, but I don't see how they could make any difference once the plates are glued on.