Official Luthiers Forum!

I have what I think is good news. I was able to get revised files that have my redesigned X-back brace to Lance before he sent the order out for printing. This revision has more of a Star shaped lower bout back brace option as apposed to the first iteration that had an 86deg X shaped back brace option. This revision supports the dome on the lower bout of the back better. I hope everyone enjoyes

Michael (or anyone else), do you think this type of back bracing would work for an OM style instrument? How do you think it affects the tone vs. a typical ladder brace design? I'm just curious because I think it looks really cool...I know that isn't much of a reason for doing something...but I'd like to know anyway.

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Joe Breault
Merrimack, NH
Perpetual novice

I do a simple X back brace on an OM. In fact the OLF OM plans shows my X-back brace option as well. The tonal affect my be subjective but I feel like it make the high end stand out more by making the back a bit more ridgid. MichaelP38954.6728472222

[QUOTE=MichaelP] This revision has more of a Star shaped lower bout back brace option as apposed to the first iteration that had an 86deg X shaped back brace option.[/QUOTE]

Michael,

I have a set of the 'old OLF SJ plans'. What does this means in relation to the new plans. Are the old plans for the X-brace OK & should I just leave them as is. Or, are there revisions that can/should be made, to bring them up-to-date? Is it just a matter if increasing the X-brace 4deg to bring it up to the new design specs? Or, would it be safer, if I just went w/ the conventional back bracing pattern since I am just beginning out?

There is no structural failure issues with the old plans back X brace but right near the apex of the lower bout the old x brace would allow the dome to flatten about 1/2" from the edge a bit. This was due to lack of a structural member to give the shape in that area. So I increase the angle of the X to 90 degs and added a spar on either side at the apex of the X that solved the flatting of the dome near the edge of the Lower bout apex. That was the only reason for the change if you look at the pic I included it is easy to see what I did and why. There has been no noticeable change in the tone but I have only done the new system on 3 so far. But it does make a big difference in the shape of the backs dome. Much better now.MichaelP38954.9997106481