Hi All,
I'm building my second archtop. Its a 17" archtop.
This one is a non-cutaway guitar.
The first one i've built had braces measuring at ~15mm at the cross section, and tapering down to around 3-4mm at the edges.
The first guitar has a sound that is a bit 'chocked' for lack of better words. The bass response is ok, and the overall sound is a bit mid-rangy.
In this instrument, I wanted to a more bass rich and overall more fuller acoustic sound. Also, I've went with a design based a bit on the Monteleone Radio Flyer, which means large f-holes.
So the top is a spruce, thickness is based on Benedetto's book specs for x-brace tops - so 1/4" in the center, to 3/16" and then 1/8" at the edges.
The problem is this, when 'playing' with shaping the braces, I've removed too much material, and now I'm left with an x-brace measuring at around 10-11mm at the center, tapering down to 3-4mm at the edges.
I'm afraid that small braces and the large f-hole cuts will comprise the structure of the top.
What can I do to make sure the whole thing does not cave in under pressure? Should I reinforce with another brace? if so, where?
Maybe strip the braces and try again (
)? reinforce the existing braces?
I'm adding a picture to show the progress. Will appreciate any help, thank you!
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