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Permalink Reply by Paul Craig on February 11, 2018 at 10:43am

How thick is your top? What type material is the top made of? Those factors along with through piece or neck through will determine the need for bracing.

Most people follow traditional acoustic guitar bracing patterns. Taylor guitars has launched a new V pattern bracing method that supposed to be superior, haven't tried it yet.

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Permalink Reply by Taffy Evans on February 12, 2018 at 12:33pm

Hi, it would be hard to advise on bracing dimensions without knowing a few details , as mentioned above. 

But I will say that it is easy to over brace a simple small box, when I started I thought I would use acoustic guitar style bracing, only to find I did not need it. I have used cross bracing but really only need one or two simple ladder type braces. 

As a guide on a box 200mm wide my brace for a six string guitar with a top of 1/4 sawn cedar at 2-3mm thick would be 7mmx 15mm. But I would then carve the brace for a balance between support and flexibility. I would place it in the bridge area, a third of the box length from the tail end. The brace has its ends keyed/checked/ into, or supported by the sides. My braces are of spruce and 1/4 sawn (grain running to to bottom.

using the neck as a brace (in my experience) will dampen the top instead of working with it.

i could show picks if you are interested.

cheers Taff

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