Official Luthiers Forum!

I am bracing my first acoustic guitar and I was just wanting to make sure I'm on the right track. My x-braces are 11/16" tall, 5/16" wide, all other braces except for the upper transverse are 1/4" wide. My question is about scalloping. How much is too much? I'm wondering what the height of the x brace should be at the valley of the scallop. I know that this will differ for each top, but I'm just looking for a general guideline. The top is sitka and has good stiffness and I'm bracing with red spruce. Also, scalloped tone bar dimensions would be great also. As a matter of fact, any general bracing information would be great. Thanks. BTW - this will be a drednaught.JeremiahB.38477.4295023148

This must be classified information, huh?

My OM, OOO, & SJ height at scallop vally average .45-.30 This is just an average

Sorry no dimensions I just go by feel but this one with an englemann top Sounded really good



Another view



Good luck

Ronn -
I see you dont tuck or butt your braces to the X brace, what are your thoughts on this practice? I always notch the X and tuck the brace ends in it.




LanceK38479.343912037

_________________
Support the OLF! Bookmark our STEWMAC link Today!
Lance@LuthiersForum.com

Lance - interesting. I've read about people doing it, but that's the first time I think I've actually seen it done. I don't, because I don't see the need to. Could you expand on the reasons you feel its necessary/good? I'd think not notching would free up that area just a little; on the two tops I've done to date, I've tapered the tone bars and finger braces down to almost nothing where they 'meet'the X-brace. Only the above-the-X braces (soundhole braces, including A-braces which are notched through the upper trasverse) butt firmly against the X, but again, no notching at the butt-joints.

Lance:
I used to tuck all of mine but no longer do. Last 12 have not been tucked and there is a [noticeable] difference in tone ;)

_________________
tim...
http://www.mcknightguitars.com

[QUOTE=LanceK] Ronn -
I see you dont tuck or butt your braces to the X brace, what are your thoughts on this practice? I always notch the X and tuck the brace ends in it.

[/QUOTE]

Actually this is only my second Steel string guitar. On the first I tucked the ends as you mention. I was pleased with the outcome but considered not tucking them on this one. I ended up not doing it only after reading the thoughts of more experienced builders in a thread on MIMF last year.

I can't give you a reason to or not to. I think the main reason for it is that the x brace is tucked under the linings and then this is tucked under the x brace. May provide some protection from popping a brace lose.

Truth be told, for me, I didn't see an advatage that would justify the extra work (even though it's really not that much).RCoates38479.7258680556