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Hesh,

I can't help but feel that there should be at least a third choice.

When selecting tone wood, I listen for a full, complex set of harmonics, a bright sound, and I pay attention to the amount of sustain.

I find that the specific note changes during the build, and changes again once the box is closed. So while I listen to it during the build process, I find that it is not predictive of the final outcome. Once the box is closed, is when I pay closer attention to the specific note, and I find I can change it by reaching inside and lightly sanding the braces or by sanding down the top a little further.

Best,

Michael

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Live to Play, Play to Live

Both?

Like Michael, I tune the plates qualitatively (that word makes it sound more like science, doesn't it?) while building. When the box is closed and bound, I check the note, and if it is too high, I sand the top, and sometimes the back, around the perimeter. It's interesting how quickly this will drop the note. I look to get it below G#.

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Howard Klepper
http://www.klepperguitars.com

When all else fails, clean the shop.

I know I often sound like a broken record once I get hooked on an idea or method, but I really can't say enough about Ervin's class.

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Brock Poling
Columbus, Ohio
http://www.polingguitars.com

Hesh,

The hardest part is when the tap goes from drip, drip, drip to that first gush of water - danged if I can get a Handel on it

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Dave White
De Faoite Stringed Instruments
". . . the one thing a machine just can't do is give you character and personalities and sometimes that comes with flaws, but it always comes with humanity" Monty Don talking about hand weaving, "Mastercrafts", Weaving, BBC March 2010

If I said I knew what I was doing, I would be lying. But I do tap as I go through the building steps.

I did notice a definite difference between #1 and #2. My first was a braced a bit heavy and the top was on the thick side. The second was much lighter and the tap tone much louder.

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53% of all statistics are made up on the spot
http://driftwoodguitars.blogspot.com/

Well for me my records show that a G# is dominate note I have been looking for but with that said I have had many that the over tones were so wounderful and the sustain so long that I quit at other pitches. The longer I build the more I look for overtones that not dominate but filling and whole in sound but not wolffie. I think my most resonate guitars have come from this train of thought.MichaelP38895.6075231481

I'm looking for as many "C" notes that I can get. After all how will I keep on buying tools for the rest of my life ( or the rest of my marrige???)