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Inlet back braces....
http://w-ww.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=18176
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Author:  Steve Saville [ Wed Jul 30, 2008 12:30 am ]
Post subject:  Inlet back braces....

My last few builds I inlet the top X braces at the top only while tapering them down to nothing at the lower bout. I've been thinking that the back braces really don't need to be inlet. They could be tapered to nothing just before the linings.
This would make it easier and quicker to assemble, but perhaps more importantly, a more lively back. (Depending on your POV about the back.)
No that I've let this can-o-worms out, what do you think? pfft gaah
Let the arguing begin! laughing6-hehe

Author:  ncovey [ Wed Jul 30, 2008 2:44 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Inlet back braces....

Hi Steve;

I build with both styles depending on the type of guitar and the woods used for the back. I think inletting the bracing imparts more string vibration to the guitar as a whole. Also makes setting the back in it's proper position a little easier when you have the brace slots to align. I often do the same thing with the "X" on top, I inlet about 3/16" or so thick by the width of the linings or kerfing. On Ukuleles and some types of guitars I actually set the back bracing in the ribs first and attatch the back.
I guess it sometimes depends on how I feel that day. --N.C.

Author:  Hesh [ Wed Jul 30, 2008 7:41 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Inlet back braces....

Steve my friend I too like the idea of freeing up the back but I have the same concern that the repair guys will and that is an inlet brace is far less likely to come off.

But..... I have seen 1930's Gibsons where they feathered the back braces down to say .005 and with out making a pocket in the kerfed linings attached the back. The examples that I have seen have not come loose either. This has me thinking that this might actually be a good compromise that would free up the back without the risk of a back brace coming off. And of course depending on how tightly we are each individually wrapped some may not need to even make the pockets.

Author:  LanceK [ Wed Jul 30, 2008 8:08 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Inlet back braces....

Charles Fox as well as Paul Woolson do it this way.
Paul says it far more challenging getting it just right using this method.

I should say the feather there back braces to almost nothing and slip them under the linings.

Author:  Hesh [ Wed Jul 30, 2008 8:31 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Inlet back braces....

Thanks Lance - do you know if they make the shallow pocket or just clamp the back on over the feathered brace ends?

Author:  Steve Saville [ Wed Jul 30, 2008 11:10 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Inlet back braces....

If 1930 Gibsons are still holding up, then it should be OK.
Thank you all for the information. I'll give it a try soon.

Author:  Howard Klepper [ Wed Jul 30, 2008 11:45 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Inlet back braces....

I treat the back upper bout as more structural and lower bout as more about sound. Lower two braces get feathered way down (but not to nothing--they still are preventing splits even if they are not stiffening much), upper two stay pretty substantial where they are inlet.

Author:  Steve Saville [ Wed Jul 30, 2008 12:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Inlet back braces....

Howard Klepper wrote:
I treat the back upper bout as more structural and lower bout as more about sound. ......
Thank you for that insight. That makes a lot of sense.

Author:  LanceK [ Wed Jul 30, 2008 12:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Inlet back braces....

Hesh wrote:
Thanks Lance - do you know if they make the shallow pocket or just clamp the back on over the feathered brace ends?


No inlet cut. I am trying to find a picture. Its slick as snot!

Author:  LanceK [ Wed Jul 30, 2008 12:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Inlet back braces....

Here ya go!

Image

Author:  Hesh [ Wed Jul 30, 2008 1:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Inlet back braces....

No....... it can't be....... :D does your neck block have finish on it????? :D

Lance that is the neatest work I have ever seen - the bar is raised again! [:Y:] [clap] [clap] [clap] [clap] [clap]

Author:  Michael Dale Payne [ Wed Jul 30, 2008 1:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Inlet back braces....

I still want a scratching my head emotocon gaah

Lance I dont get it I see no picture, no link just white space

Author:  Barry Daniels [ Wed Jul 30, 2008 1:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Inlet back braces....

I think that photo is a Fox box, is it not?

Author:  Michael Dale Payne [ Wed Jul 30, 2008 1:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Inlet back braces....

Lance Kragenbrink wrote:
Here ya go!

Image


Must be a firewall issue. I see the link when I quote you but as soon as I submit the link disapears. i went to the the link and all I get is a blank page. ( would be followed by a scratching head enotocon IF I HAD ONE) laughing6-hehe laughing6-hehe

Author:  WaddyThomson [ Wed Jul 30, 2008 1:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Inlet back braces....

I see it. Must be "Operator Head-Space", Michael. :D

Author:  Michael Dale Payne [ Wed Jul 30, 2008 1:51 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Inlet back braces....

WaddyT wrote:
I see it. Must be "Operator Head-Space", Michael. :D


There are many around here far too young to understand this but Waddy are you saying my nick name should be Max Headroom laughing6-hehe laughing6-hehe

Author:  WaddyThomson [ Wed Jul 30, 2008 2:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Inlet back braces....

I was actually referring to setting of head-space on a 50 Cal Machine Gun. Often when they jammed it was due to the operator failing to properly set the head-space during set-up. Commonly known in the military as "Operator Head-Space". However, I do remember Max Headroom very well. In that case we'd be talking about "Headroom Head-Space". :lol: :lol:

Author:  Steve Saville [ Wed Jul 30, 2008 3:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Inlet back braces....

So not inletting the braces gives you more headroom?

(Not to get back on subject or anything.) oops_sign

Author:  Hesh [ Wed Jul 30, 2008 3:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Inlet back braces....

Steve that would be getting into the subject of active vs. reflective back - not that there is anything wrong with that mind you..... :D I prefer active backs personally so this discussion is of great interest to me.

Waddy bro I thought that by head room you were referring to your experiences during the construction of Stonehenge...... :D running for cover now.....

Author:  WaddyThomson [ Wed Jul 30, 2008 3:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Inlet back braces....

"Don't get mad. Get even!.........Don't get mad. Get even!.........Don't get mad. Get even!" laughing6-hehe laughing6-hehe laughing6-hehe

Author:  Michael Dale Payne [ Wed Jul 30, 2008 4:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Inlet back braces....

WaddyT wrote:
"Don't get mad. Get even!.........Don't get mad. Get even!.........Don't get mad. Get even!" laughing6-hehe laughing6-hehe laughing6-hehe


Waddy keep this to your self but i realy did help buiild Stinehinge the replaca here at the Univerity of Texas of the Permian Basin

Attachment:
sthg05-0.jpg

Author:  WaddyThomson [ Wed Jul 30, 2008 4:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Inlet back braces....

Man, Michael, the rocks are the wrong color! You're gonna have to swap those out. gaah

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