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I'm building a classical and have decided to use unkerfed linings to attach both the top and bottom. I've got some nice tight grained redwood I'll be using.

The question is; Is 4mm thick enough for this? I can't seem to find unkerfed linings online to check dimensions.

Seems that it should be. My sides will be just under 2mm thick and the bindins are 2mm thick. I could probably go a little thinner even huh?

I use unkerfed linings building Hauser style classicals. I don't think you'll find unkerfed linings at very many places online. I just cut mine from the side of a mahogany neckblank. I think 4mm is actually too thick. I make my lining anywhere from 3.175 - 3.5 mm and find that these work just great. I taper the lining so it goes down to about 1.5 mm on the side. I think these linings are very strong, but are still lightweight enough to make a very good projecting guitar.

Good luck!

John

Hi Ronn,

I build classicals, too.

4mm is borderline, IMO. I differ from John -- I prefer linings that are about 0.200" (5mm) thick.

I've never tried redwood for linings, dunno how it will bend.

For unkerfed linings, most folks I know use basswood, which is what I use. Only thing is, basswood likes to wrinkle at the waist when bending so what I do (and others I know) is to slice the strips so each is about 0.100" (2.5mm) thick, then bend them, and then laminate them together. It's more work, but the result is nice looking if done right, and quite rigid.

Best,

Michael

Michael McBroom38534.0322106481

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Live to Play, Play to Live

Great. I just finished cutting enough for 3 guitars plus breakage. I did a few test bends with promising results.

I'd prefer thicker and taller... I'm from the "drum" camp. I think stiff sides promote volume and projection.

I may see if I've got some mahogany stock floating around

Thnx Guys

I use either cedro or willow for solid liners, and go with 5mm or so depending on what the wood will take.

One consideration on this is how wide your top purfling will be. Typically you would use only a singe line, or maybe a B/W for the back purfling, ad it doesn't cut into the liner too much. The top will generaly have more purfling lines, and if you use just a 4-5mm solid liner you won't have a lot of glue area between the top and sides. That, and the traditional Spanish method of building from the top down, are probably the reasons behind the kerfed liner/tentellones on the top. You get a little more width since you don't have to worry about bending it.

Tis one will be a single 2mm ebony binding with a b/w purfling. Should be ok, but I get your point.