Official Luthiers Forum!

I can't seem to figure out what is used for the upper transverse graft. For some it looks to be off-cut from the soundboard (like the back-graft, others it looks like the grain is running the same way as the rest of the bracing. Does it matter? How many builders omit it all together? I am finally going to make another push to get something accomplished on my first build but found I still have plenty of questions. Thanks everyone in advance!

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Time is a great teacher, but unfortunately it kills all its pupils - Louis Hector Berlioz

Chansen / C hansen / C. Hansen / Christian Hansen - not a handle.

Christian

Traditionally it's 4sawn (vertical grain) spruce with the grain running perpendicular from the soundboard, about .125" thick. Some of the older Martins don't have it (its purpose is somewhat unclear as it doesn't prevent the cracks on the soundboard along the FB extension). Many contemporary builders don't use it at all, especially those who use a neck block with a paddle extending under the FB extension.

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Laurent Brondel
West Paris, Maine - USA
http://www.laurentbrondel.com/

The purpose is to prevent soundboard cracking and seperation at and from the edges of the fretboard extension as the neck tries to move with the pull of the string. oops sorry Laurent did not mean to echo

Thank you! That answers my question. Actually I had heard mention of "popsicle brace" before but wasn't aware that the UTG was one and the same. I will be getting the top braced this week and if I'm not to horrified by my workmanship I'll post a pic or two for a little critiquing. Should be fun...

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Time is a great teacher, but unfortunately it kills all its pupils - Louis Hector Berlioz

Chansen / C hansen / C. Hansen / Christian Hansen - not a handle.

Christian

Hey, Christian, good to hear from you! Are you a dad yet? Or was it in March ?

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now known around here as Pat Foster
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http://www.patfosterguitars.com

She's getting pretty close... March 11th is the due date. My plans of getting this guitar done before the due date were easily pushed aside with all the preparation. Not complaining at all though - this has been a really exciting time for us.

BTW, its a boy and his name is Parker You're welcome to check out our family blog if you want at http://www.christiannmelissa.com - it's pretty much baby-oriented to keep family and friends updated.

_________________
Time is a great teacher, but unfortunately it kills all its pupils - Louis Hector Berlioz

Chansen / C hansen / C. Hansen / Christian Hansen - not a handle.

Christian