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Sorry if these are stupid questions but I'd like to know if there is a consensus about technique in this area.

Considering that the kerf lining must be notched to accept the top bracing (and bottom for that matter), I am wondering about the fit and glue in this area.

1. Does a luthier size the bracing so that when the top / bottom is fit in place, the braces 'form' to the sides? (I.e. get a true and positive contact between braces and sides with a high level of tolerance)

2. When notching the kerf lining to accept the bracing, is it better to get a 'conforming' cut so that the kerf lining makes a 'good' contact with the bracing? (Either directly or a thin glue contact)

3. When gluing the sound board in place is it better to glue the brace / kerf lining joint or leave this area float?

Sorry again if these are silly questions, but I am wondering about various aspects here and I thought there may be 'buzz' if certain conditions are not met.

Best regards,

Rick

Hi Rick –
Speaking only for myself –
I notch the kerfing – top and bottom so that the brace end is as close to the same size as the brace pocket as possible insuring a perfect tight clean fit.



My braces do extent all the way to the sides, but are usualy nipped when I cut my binding ledge.

When you glue your back or top, you want 100 % positive contact all around, so yes, use glue on every contact surface.


Hope this helps
LanceK

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If you are ending the brace to the inside of the rim the thickness at the contact with the rim can be near zero. I inlet the upper transverse brace and the lower x-brace ends into. i.e. through the sides. but this is not required. in either case the fit should be good. Many luthiers taper all the brace to near zero at the linings. I have said before I like 4 notches to go through the rim to use as indexes or mortise and the corresponding braces as tendon, to positive locate the top’s position at glue up with out any chance of slippage.

LanceK & MichaelP,

Thanks for the GREAT response! They really hit the spot.

I was sort of worried that the bracing making direct contact with the sides / lining may be a sore spot for some serious buzzing. And I wasn't sure if gluing is the right way to handle it (i.e. cause for concern in not allowing the top to properly vibrate / bellow fully)

LanceK, great pic! Those are gorgeous looking joints there (doesn't sound right ;) ). Thanks for taking the time to post it.

Thanks a bunch!

-Rick

Gee Lance, those look perfect. How much do you pay the little gnomes in your shop to cut those for you? Mine have never turned out that good.Rod True38691.5253935185

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[QUOTE=Rod True] Gee Lance, those look perfect. How much do you pay the little gnomes in your shop to cut those for you? Mine have never turned out that good.[/QUOTE]

I've heard he uses Santa's elves during the off-season. The conspiracy blogs also suggest that he's using engineered bacteria that eat glue squeeze-out, leaving an inhumanly clean surface. Very hush-hush!

Look at Jeff Babicz's article in ASIA Guitarmaker issue 51. He shows how he inlets the braces into the linings and gets them as tight at Lance does. It is a great article in that it is very clear and makes it like you could get the same results as well.

Carlton

The rumour this side of the atlantic, is that Lance grows his guitars from some sort of organic compound. Thats why sometimes the Nuts on his guitars are not fully developed as he has to leave them to rippen.

Anyone know where I can get that article? Issue 51 is not available online.

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Sen an email to them. ASIA aint that big of an organization. Someone will tell you how to order.

[QUOTE=CarltonM] [QUOTE=Rod True] Gee Lance, those look perfect. How much do you pay the little gnomes in your shop to cut those for you? Mine have never turned out that good.[/QUOTE]

I've heard he uses Santa's elves during the off-season. The conspiracy blogs also suggest that he's using engineered bacteria that eat glue squeeze-out, leaving an inhumanly clean surface. Very hush-hush![/QUOTE]

And genetically modified termites does his sanding. That is how he has time to build and run the forum

Sorry Lance!!! I was not suppose to tell any one. Oh well the secret is out