Official Luthiers Forum!

I posted a while back regarding a 12 string top replacement & have decided to take on the job. More for the experience than the money... I have never had much to do with 12 strings before, and apparently, need the challenge.
The guitar is an early 60's Hagstromm with a tailpiece & glued on bridge with adjustable saddle hardware. (I know... Probably not worth the effort, but the owner loves it.)
Can anyone suggest a bracing plan that will take the strain without completely killing the top?
The top on this guitar has 1/4" x 5/8" X braces & no tone bars or finger braces. Needless to say, it has collapsed & broken, over the years.
I have the choice between a very stiff Engelmann top or a slightly harder, European spruce one.
Any suggestions would be welcomed.
Thanks. Dan

-bump-
David Russell Young has a 12-string bracing pattern in his book- might be worth a look if you have a copy nearby (Public Library/interlibrary loan?). I built a few 6-strings from his patterns 'back in the day' and thought they sounded good, but never got around to finishing a 12-string.
Those Young guitars had pin bridges, so the info might not fit with your project if you are planning on keeping the tailpiece.

Cheers
John

Thanks John. I actually have a copy of that book from (as you say) "back in the day". I'll check it out.
I have discussed using a pin bridge with the owner & he will go for that (reluctantly) if he has to.
I WOULD like to make him happy & use the old bridge, but if it means another collapsed top, I'd rather steer clear.
When I posted before, someone (I think it was Todd) said he had recently done a 12 string flat top with a tailpiece. Must be possible to keep the thing from folding up...