Official Luthiers Forum!

I was curious how many people use spruce bracing for Rosewood, Mahogany, etc.....woods typically used on Back & Sides, and how this has affected the sound compared to mahogany bracing on the same Back & side woods. Do you prefer one to the other? why?

Thanks,
Greg

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Gwaltney Guitars

I use Adirondack Spruce and that's all I've ever used because that's what old Martins and most expert builders use.

I have no experience with Mahogany bracing but will be interested in hearing if others have.

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JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

I have used spruce, mahogany and walnut for back bracing, but I only use sitka spruce for bracing the top. I have seen no difference in sound, but I like the apperance of the back braces matching the backwood.

Al

Greg
I like spruce braces for rosewood, maple and walnut
and mahogony braces for Koa and mahogony.
I like my backs to have a bit of flex, I feel a guitar
projects better that way. Others like a stiffer back.
weight and stiffness are important factors for me.
Not that it matters but those combinations look
right to me also. certain to be a subject of debate.

Tom

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http://www.moriciguitar.com

I used spruce braces on the EIR back of no 2 and very lightly, i think it does make a difference in the sound but since i've only built 2, it's too early for me to judge on that, i like the idea of using mahogany for the back braces though. For the top, i'd like to try adi braces on an adi top one day, thinned at the proper height and weight, they seem to make a top want to sparkle.

I've braced three now and have only used englemann spruce. It is soooo light.

Ron

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OLD MAN formerly (and formally) known as:

Ron Wisdom

Somewhere in the middle of Arkansas......