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I want to start a Gibsonesque J-45 type, and have the Michael Collins drawn J-45 working plans. It specs the side thickness at .125 which seems rather thick, having gone to .090 in the past. Thoughts on sides this thick......impact on sound. ?
I'm willing to try this if it makes any sense in any direction.

Much obliged....Michael

I wouldn't think much impact on sound, but .090 would bend alot easier. I keep mine at around .090 or less depending on the wood i'm bending.

0.125 seems way too thick ever for sides. I'm usually 0.75-0.85 depending on the body size and wood. Thats off the thickness sander, so a bit comes off to get the 80 grit mark off, then a bit for trueing up the sides before binding. But I tend to build light.

From the early-1950's through 1969, the J-45 (and most other mahogany Gibsons) had laminated sides. They were 3-ply, with all mahogany plies.

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John

Ah...there's the light. Thanks John.

I built a j45 mahogany a few months ago, sides at .80. It worked well.

Not sure where you heard that Todd - but - some of my early guitars - 8-10 years ago - had sides that were around 100 .. but then I thinned to 90 for a bit, and now 80-85 for the last 4-5 years .. I see no reason to have sides that thick - 125 range.

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

If you decide to do one out of plain, straight grain Maple - which is pretty common on vintage Gibsons..... 0.125" thick will likely bend just fine - and give you nice stiff sides.

If mahogany - stick with a "Standard" thickness Mahogany for side bending.... it goes much better that way.

Thanks

John