Backstrips

[808K]

Some do, some don’t.

Is a backstrip desireable?

Never gave it much thought...now the question is haunting me.

Thanks for any input, facts, and/or opinions.

[The Bard Rocks]

I think a backstrip is more decorative than functional. Some of my guitars have them, some don't, and they all seem to work just fine.

[Shuksan]

Are you asking about the decorative backstrip on the outside of some guitars, or the center reinforcing strip on the center seam on the inside of the back?

I'd prefer the manufacturer put more effort into the front than on a back strip that is barely ever seen.

[Looburst]

Decorative only. Adds nothing to the sound or quality of an instrument. Some of mine do have one, most don't.

[ChalkLitIScream]

I prefer a backstrip on my guitars. Gives it much more of a symmetrical look between the bookmatched backs. On guitars without a backstrip, the misaligned grain stands out to me. I cans ee this easily on maple guitars with the flames slightly offset on one piece. I find the sapwood on cocobolo or koa ''solve'' this ''issue'' for me. Anyone else?

[mercy]

As far as appearances it depends on the set. Usually I dont like a backstrip, at least the kind that most mfg put on following Martin. Some sets are so plain they need a little color but then just a strip of wood matching the binding with purlfling.
However there is a function. The backstrip strengthens the joint. I dont think it is needed but it does do that.

None of my guitars have one, and I don't care. But I dig the Martin "mosaic" backstrip.

[AZLiberty]

Originally Posted by mercy

The backstrip strengthens the joint. I dont think it is needed but it does do that.

An inlaid backstrip actually weakens the joint. That's why guitars with a backstrip will almost invariably have a reinforcing strip on the inside.

[BrunoBlack]

I like the look of a backstrip, but it’s not a big deal.

[AndrewG]

Originally Posted by ChalkLitIScream

I prefer a backstrip on my guitars. Gives it much more of a symmetrical look between the bookmatched backs. On guitars without a backstrip, the misaligned grain stands out to me. I cans ee this easily on maple guitars with the flames slightly offset on one piece. I find the sapwood on cocobolo or koa ''solve'' this ''issue'' for me. Anyone else?

Those 'offset' flames are generally the opposite side of a bookmatched slice. 'Fold' the two pieces together, visually, and the 'crest' of one flame will neatly fit the 'trough' of its opposite number, so it's unlikely to be a misalignment.

[charles Tauber]

Originally Posted by mercy

The backstrip strengthens the joint. I dont think it is needed but it does do that.

Originally Posted by AZLiberty

An inlaid backstrip actually weakens the joint. That's why guitars with a backstrip will almost invariably have a reinforcing strip on the inside.

And, there you have it.

[Tim McKnight]

Originally Posted by AZLiberty

An inlaid backstrip actually weakens the joint. That's why guitars with a backstrip will almost invariably have a reinforcing strip on the inside.

We are splitting hairs here but I would respectfully disagree with your statement above. An exterior [inlaid] back strip actually makes the joint stronger because there is more gluing surface for the back's center joint. There are three gluing surfaces for the decorative strip to adhere to, left, right and bottom, plus the back halves are butted beneath the decorative inlaid strip.

A [butted] decorative backstrip only has two gluing surfaces, left and right and for that reason it is weaker, by mechanical design, than the inlaid strip.

The decorative external strip is really a moot point if there is an internal reinforcement strip used. Most all guitars use an interior "marriage strip" with its grain running perpendicular to the grain of the back, regardless if there is a decorative strip used on the exterior or not. The interior marriage strip, completely covers the back center butt joint and any decorative strip used on the exterior.

[Shades of Blue]

Originally Posted by Frozen Rat

I'd prefer the manufacturer put more effort into the front than on a back strip that is barely ever seen.

I dig nice backs

[mercy]

I think the back is the most beautiful part of a guitar. Tops are just functional, yes some are more attractive than some, I dont like bearclaw of any kind, I do like high silk. I think that most backstrips are unattractive and detract from the design of the guitar.