Soundboard arch and a tonewood question

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chinito

Posts: 104
Joined: Jun. 14 2004

Soundboard arch and a tonewood question

Hey all,

Like to pick your brains if that's okay...

Wondering if there's a preference among you pro builders between using a traditional solera and a modern radiused dish when bracing your tops and backs. Pros and cons of each?
Also was wondering if any of you have tried using Douglas fir in your instruments. We use it by the truckload at work and there's lots of offcuts. The stuff is all edge grain and can vary in weight. Useful for bracing, linings or tops? Strong stuff. I've found mention of it being used in steel strings, but not much else.

Thanks in advance,

-Jake.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 10 2008 14:29:12

Anders Eliasson

Posts: 5780
Joined: Oct. 18 2006

RE: Soundboard arch and a tonewood q... (in reply to chinito)

I use a solera because I like to keep part of the top flat. also it has a neck extension which adjust the neck angle. When I brace I use a piece of scooped out lam. wood with the same shape as the solera. A radiussed dish could have some advantage for the back because you have better control over the angle between sides and back.

Nope, havent tried douglas fir. I live in europe and get high Q German spruce for a reasonable price.

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Blog: http://news-from-the-workshop.blogspot.com/

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 11 2008 18:57:03

TANúñez

Posts: 2559
Joined: Jul. 10 2003
From: TEXAS

RE: Soundboard arch and a tonewood q... (in reply to chinito)

Hi Jake,

I know you said this question was for the pro builders but I thought I'd throw in my 2 cents anyway. I've used both but now mainly use the radiused dish for gluing the struts. I keep the top over the fingerboard flat though so I glue the upper harmonic bar on a flat surface. I also use a solera with the neck extension set for the neck angle while assembling.

I've never used Douglas fir as a tonewood but it does make one heck of a Christmas tree.

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Tom Núñez
www.instagram.com/tanunezguitars

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 11 2008 23:59:09

Tom Blackshear

Posts: 2304
Joined: Apr. 15 2008

RE: Soundboard arch and a tonewood q... (in reply to chinito)

Normally Douglas Fir would be too stiff for a nylon strung guitar. I build my tops flat with a slight rise at the bottom; more like a slight taper from the bottom around the lower bout, otherwise totally flat.

_____________________________

Tom Blackshear Guitar maker

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 17 2008 12:36:45