soundport reinforcement? Yes, or no

[hat]

I'm in the middle of a project build, and just routed a soundport in the upper bout. The wood is IRW. Typically are soundport openings reinforced on the backside with a wood laminate, cloth, or nothing at all?

[redir]

Yes, imho reinforce it with wood. Probably shoulda done that before cutting the hole, well would have been easier anyway.

[MC5C]

I bend and laminate a second piece of side inside the port, so it is double thickness. I do this before I cut the port. I like the strength, and I like the way it looks by using the same wood as the side is made from.

[hat]

I have considered using curly maple, as that is what I am using for the binding. I thought it might provide an interesting contrast. Really haven't came to any conclusion yet. I don't see the need for anything too thick, just something cross-grain to minimize stress cracks.