Great video. This subject is not discussed much in any detail. This is where the accomplished builders develop their instruments tone and projection power.
This sounds like something I would ask. You could probably do a couple videos on how to manipulate the sound, such as size and material for the bridge plate or when the arch on the back. One thing I've found interesting is flat bracing on the top as well as hybrid. John Arnold has said before he likes to arch everything in front of the bridge and keep everything behind it flat.
I saw a technique from a luthier that caught my eye to help radius the backs. He built a jig that was basically a double sided edge/clamp for his freshly cut quarter inch bracing sticks where one side was measured for the radius and the other was a flat. As if to prep for the bracing, then he planed the opposite sides. He also did use a radius dish to file the sides while in the template, after the neck and heel blocks were glued in. But that jig… never saw that before. He was a Ft Collins Luthier. Started with an M
Great video Kevin! I'm still working on the 12 fret and just started the top. Have you ever worked with "Lutz Spruce"? I'll be using it for this one. I just love the look of it.
There are many proven ways to brace a top, V-bracing being one of them. Taylor has made I big issue out of it and even implied that they invented it. they didn't. It's just another way to brace a guitar top. and when everyone is offering a steak, you've got to sell the sizzle.
Great content as always, I’ve made a few guitars using spruce and cedar with good results, I have a nice piece of spalted maple that I’d like to use for my next build but is pretty stiff, but I know maple is used, any advice on thickness and how to get the best out of it would be appreciated. Thanks, Mal
My #2 has more arching on the top to the point where I had to shape the underside of the fingerboard where it's glued to the top. When the weather gores to hell I will put him together.
It's always a balancing act. Fortunately, it's not as extreme as, dome at 25 feet, rose the bass, go back to 40 feet and get it back. So many variables...
3mm Tops are mostly like the paper cone of a speaker. The true strength comes from the 12mm deep bracing (that gets carved carefully shorter). The top arch can protect a little against the guitar folding but the bracing is still holding that arch. Obrien's guitar channel made a cardboard sided/backed guitar with a playing demonstration. Perhaps expand upon his demo with a cardboard topped guitar? Different bracing depths? th-cam.com/video/_elx2OvWN58/w-d-xo.html he has a few more friends demo it on his channel in later videos.
It seems like arch top configuration on what was called a flat top not too long ago. So---- when did someone start doming flat tops.?? And why.? It's a legitimate question. What are they called now? Flarchtops LOL! Soundboard doming because of string tension and very powerful rotational force in the bridge = essential tone controlling elements. The "forced" doming homogenizes the area = more even response. Like those famous old high quality guitars. If the crown is machined in the braces this doesn't happen!!. Could it be that the makers missed this pre-crowning advantage/improvement.? Maybe?
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Great video. This subject is not discussed much in any detail. This is where the accomplished builders develop their instruments tone and projection power.
This sounds like something I would ask. You could probably do a couple videos on how to manipulate the sound, such as size and material for the bridge plate or when the arch on the back. One thing I've found interesting is flat bracing on the top as well as hybrid. John Arnold has said before he likes to arch everything in front of the bridge and keep everything behind it flat.
great presentation. thank you!
Good video, Kevin. Thanks for sharing. I need to think about this - and watch the video a couple more times - before I can ask anything meaningful.
Good Video! Thanks for sharing Kevin.
Great stuff. Good to see you again Kevin. I hope the shop build is going well
I saw a technique from a luthier that caught my eye to help radius the backs. He built a jig that was basically a double sided edge/clamp for his freshly cut quarter inch bracing sticks where one side was measured for the radius and the other was a flat. As if to prep for the bracing, then he planed the opposite sides. He also did use a radius dish to file the sides while in the template, after the neck and heel blocks were glued in. But that jig… never saw that before. He was a Ft Collins Luthier. Started with an M
Michael Bashkin, perhaps?
Keep them coming. Thanks Tom eh
Great video Kevin! I'm still working on the 12 fret and just started the top. Have you ever worked with "Lutz Spruce"? I'll be using it for this one. I just love the look of it.
I have not used Lutz Spruce. It's one of those things on my list of things to try.
Kevin, speaking of top bracing have you ever built any V-braced guitars and what are your thoughts?
There are many proven ways to brace a top, V-bracing being one of them. Taylor has made I big issue out of it and even implied that they invented it. they didn't. It's just another way to brace a guitar top. and when everyone is offering a steak, you've got to sell the sizzle.
Great content as always, I’ve made a few guitars using spruce and cedar with good results, I have a nice piece of spalted maple that I’d like to use for my next build but is pretty stiff, but I know maple is used, any advice on thickness and how to get the best out of it would be appreciated. Thanks, Mal
My #2 has more arching on the top to the point where I had to shape the underside of the fingerboard where it's glued to the top. When the weather gores to hell I will put him together.
Thank again Kevin. Great info. Do you have to have a radiused sanding disc to establish the dome, or is there another way?
I use a radiused dish, b ut there are other ways to accomplish the doming.
So, radiusing boosts the highs... Is that at the cost of losing the lows?
It's always a balancing act. Fortunately, it's not as extreme as, dome at 25 feet, rose the bass, go back to 40 feet and get it back. So many variables...
?! is the top/bottom flex/arch same as side/side?!?
Wood species of the two?
The first top you saw was Sitka Spruce. the second was Douglas Fir.
3mm Tops are mostly like the paper cone of a speaker. The true strength comes from the 12mm deep bracing (that gets carved carefully shorter). The top arch can protect a little against the guitar folding but the bracing is still holding that arch.
Obrien's guitar channel made a cardboard sided/backed guitar with a playing demonstration. Perhaps expand upon his demo with a cardboard topped guitar? Different bracing depths? th-cam.com/video/_elx2OvWN58/w-d-xo.html he has a few more friends demo it on his channel in later videos.
Comment down below
It seems like arch top configuration on what was called a flat top not too long ago.
So---- when did someone start doming flat tops.??
And why.? It's a legitimate question.
What are they called now? Flarchtops LOL!
Soundboard doming because of string tension and very powerful rotational force in the bridge = essential tone controlling elements.
The "forced" doming homogenizes the area = more even response.
Like those famous old high quality guitars.
If the crown is machined in the braces this doesn't happen!!.
Could it be that the makers missed this pre-crowning advantage/improvement.? Maybe?