Huge bracing on Nick Lucas backs, why?

[redir]

Many years ago I used either a plan or a book, I can't remember now, that had back bracing as you described. Very wide lower bout braces. So my guess is that it's not terribly uncommon and must have been thought to do 'something.' <shrugs>

[dannyg1]

I think Viking explained it well. It's the Paul Reed Smith school of bracing. Still doesn't explain the extra beefy top bracing on the Recording King though. That's probably to keep the the top safely stable through any weather at all.

The guitar I have is very loud, focuses energy at the high E and B strings and is becoming more harmonically resonant as I play it some (It's brand new). It's sounding better and better. It does though, badly need a setup (frets out on the tongue and the action is medium high) and the neck angle is about a 1/16th of an inch low. It came with the relief set basically flat though, so may just need to settle since the truss rod adjustment.

[dannyg1]

Originally Posted by John Arnold

I thought it came out good, but it is still developing.....I haven't seen it since I did the work. I removed about half of the brace mass. IMHO, the braces were heavier than what is necessary for a dreadnought.

Did you remove the back to do it? How was the neck and fret work? Any change to the neck, before and after?

[John Arnold]

I did the brace work through the soundhole. The frets were OK, but I may have leveled them a little. The overall workmanship was very good.

[dannyg1]

Did the guitar end up reminiscent of a true NL?