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Hi everybody. First post here, looking for some images or description of any modifications needed to the top bracing of a multi-scale/fan fret steel string guitar. From this post, it seems some adjustments are necessary: viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=26697&hilit=fan+fret+bracing.

This is the only shot I can find so far. viewtopic.php?f=10102&t=14212&hilit=Lughnasa

I'm ready to begin top bracing on an all Koa OM and am considering a scale range of 25.25-26.5. Any suggestions regarding the bracing changes are welcome. (actually, any advice is welcome!)

Darren

I've only done one fanned fret so I'm hardly an expert. But, as long as the X-brace is under the wings of the bridge you should be OK. You have a fairly big scale differential, 1.25", so you will probably have to bring the base side of the x-brace in a little. It shouldn't affect the tone too much.

Thanks

_________________
Matt Jacobs

"Don't tase me bro"

Here is how i do it .. for any new bracing pattern ... layout your Fb, neck joint, soundhole, and where the saddle will be on the top. Draw your bridge shape arpound the saddle. Layout the X brace such that its close to the soundhole, about 1/4 inch or so, and sitting under the end of the bridge wing on both ends of the bridge .. voila ... X brace. The rest is up to you to decide how and what style of bracing you want to do.

Hint ... when designing the bridge shape, you can slant the saddle slot more than the normal 3mm - I use 10mm on some guitars.. this helps keep the bridge from having to slant back so much, and thsu affects the placement of the X brace.

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Tony Karol
www.karol-guitars.com
"let my passion .. fulfill yours"

Thanks - that's what I was looking for. I've got the layout down on paper like Tony suggested and the x is under the bridge. Another question - is the saddle placement scale+compensation for both 1st and 6th strings? So the saddle 'slant' would range from 25.338 (25.25+.088) to 26.723(26.5+0.223) Those compensation numbers from the stewmac calculator...

I'm still working everything out in my brain, so thanks for humoring me.

Yes. Your bridge placement must include the saddle compensation at both e strings, and still sit on the X.

_________________
Tony Karol
www.karol-guitars.com
"let my passion .. fulfill yours"