Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Dan Sleep on September 1, 2011 at 5:29am

Nice box!!! I don't think I would worry about bracing. Can you determine if it is plywood top or not? As long as the wood is plywood, it should be OK.

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Permalink Reply by Roadkill a.k.a. John Maw on September 1, 2011 at 7:47am

I have braced every one that I have made (all 5 so far), so you can tell that I am a fan (little joke there - fan bracing, get it). One thing that I have noticed is that bracing evens out the characteristics of the box regarding how it tests with a tuning fork (see a rather longwinded thread that I started on that subject here, but I have to warn you that it does go on a bit), so may make bridge placement less critical (and maybe not).

Alternatively, check the flatness of the box with a straight edge and then fit the strings. Check from time to time. If it has flexed noticeably then fit one or two strips, normally arched so they are thickest in the middle and taper to almost nothing at the ends in a similar way to a violin bass bar.

Dan has made many more than I have so maybe start without but just keep an eye on it.

Hope that helps.

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Permalink Reply by MichaelS Country Boy Guitars on September 1, 2011 at 11:24am

That is a nice looking box, if you are using nylon uke strings you wont need any bracing. They have much less pressure than steel strings.  Cut your thru neck so it does not touch the top.

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Permalink Reply by Vinylhed on September 2, 2011 at 12:55am

Thanks guys, it's food for thought.

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Permalink Reply by Mark Bliss on September 3, 2011 at 2:59am

John Maw writes-

 (see a rather longwinded thread that I started on that subject here, but I have to warn you that it does go on a bit),

 

LOL, I cant believe you would send anyone there John, I thought that was a secret rambling thread saved just for a few complete nut bags like me........

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Permalink Reply by Roosterman on September 3, 2011 at 8:14am

Never braced, never will.... :o)

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Permalink Reply by Uncle John on September 4, 2011 at 2:25am

Ohhhh, Vinylhead, that is a nice box and a good find.   Looks like a ply top,  which is stronger and still sounds good.  I've not braced a lot.  Maybe an easy solution is to have parts of the neck support the top.  Sure, you want the top to vibrate freely near the saddle, but on a box this size some strength in the center would help. 

 

I like to strengthen the box, the corners always, often the whole sides if the wood is thin,  I usually bolster both ends where the neck will sit.  

 

Good wishes for a great build, process included.

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Permalink Reply by Ron "Oily" Sprague on September 5, 2011 at 5:21am

Vinyl,

Ni-iice box!

You could try this both ways. First, build without bracing, string it up, play it for awhile. Then, If you still feel compelled, you could fan- or X-brace the top.

OR...

You could even try it BOTH ways in the same box, if you make your neck a build up of screw-on parts inside the box! What I mean is, brace the BOTTOM, leave the lid unbraced. Figure a way to flip the neck over so that the bottom becomes the soundboard...you'd have to do this with a removable saddle...hmmmm.

This could be a first!

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Permalink Reply by Vinylhed on September 5, 2011 at 6:47am

Thanks for your input guys, it's much appreciated .

Oily - Like the idea of using the bottom as the soundboard. 

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