Quote:
Originally Posted by TomB'sox
Ryan, question please...why do the proximal ends of the X-braces seem to end so abruptly vs. the gradual taper at the other end or of the other braces?
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The X-braces are left tall on the upper bout side because they actually fit into the linings for structural support. The transverse brace (the tall thick one) also bears a lot of load - so it is inlet into the linings as well (see above pic with the router).
The braces that reach the linings in the lower boat are tapered to virtually nothing. (We do leave a very thin web of wood- so thin it's semi-transparent - that tucks under the linings for stress relief.) The reason these braces are tapered is to free up the movement of the lower bout. The built-in tension of the top is greater in the center where the braces are larger and taller. The thinning of the braces help the vibration of the top to be accentuated. Everyone's bracing pattern is their take on how to dictate the string tension into acceptable tone generation. Essentially we are stabilizing the upper bout and loosening the lower. There's more to it than that, but why spoil the romance?
