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This is my version of a small jumbo, 16" lower bout. This is also a new design for me on a rosette. I'm hoping it's not too boring. My X bracing is 11/16" at the intersection before the cap. The high point on the lower section of the X is 1/2" tall. My finger braces are 1/4" tall. They look huge! The tone braces are 7/16" then tapers to 1/4". The top is between .11-.12. I have no idea how to tap tune so I "think" it rings well. Lutz top from Bob C. Thanks for looking and I'm open to all suggestions on my bracing.

Clinton buddy I like the rosette - nice job

The bracing looks heavy to me and 11/16th at the X intersection pre-cap is higher then I would go. I typically will brace an OM with 1/4" wide X-bracing that is 1/2" high, pre-cap, at the intersection if this gives you any ideas. And on my guitars nothing else is as high as the X-intersection.

IMHO the easiest way to learn to tap tune your tops is initially to shoot for an abundance of ring with good sustain and not a particular note.

I will always remove mass from the sides of a brace forming a pretty sharp triangular profile. Then, once shaped, I tap the top holding it between the first finger and thumb just below the transverse brace on one side. If I can tap down the X legs following the X leg and it rings well I repeat the process with another brace. If it does not ring well and I already have a triangular profile I reduce the height of the brace in the dead location.

For scalloped braces where the scallops are you are not shooting for the triangular profile of course.

I tap and listen, shape, reduce height, etc. for all braces below the transverse brace. You can also hold the top balancing it with a thumb on the transverse brace in the middle and also balance it at the top of the sound hole.

A problem area is where either the tone bars or finger braces intersect the X. If it is dead at these intersections with a chisel reduce the height of the finger brace or tone bars where it butts into the X until it rings better.

I too, like the rosette. Looks like your are off to a great start. Keep the pictures coming.

_________________
Waddy

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I'm certainly no expert here but I have learned from the great advice of this forum that the transverse brace and the x braces should intersect the linings. I'm not sure from your pics if yours will do that.
I'm also thinking that you could shave a bit more from the sides, making them a little more triangular.

Peter