SBAIC Stephen Strahm EROS build

[Stephen Strahm]

Floating back brace made, fit, and glued.

[steveh]

Thanks for taking time to share these photos of your work: crisp and clean.
I've played one of your guitars - impressive and I'd love to give another some airtime soon.

Cheers,
Steve

[printer2]

Other than looking real cool what does the floating brace do to the sound, if you don't mind me asking?

[Stephen Strahm]

Originally Posted by steveh

Thanks for taking time to share these photos of your work: crisp and clean.
I've played one of your guitars - impressive and I'd love to give another some airtime soon.

Cheers,
Steve

Thanks for the kind words Steve! If your going to be at the SBAIC show in September you can take this beauty for a spin

[Stephen Strahm]

Originally Posted by printer2

Other than looking real cool what does the floating brace do to the sound, if you don't mind me asking?

I do agree that the floating back brace looks cool, but this brace has more tricks up its sleeve. The idea is a Jeff Traugott design which helps the back keep its radius/arch lengthwise over time. The force that string tensions puts on the body of the guitar can cause the back to flatten out which then allows the neck block area to rotate inward towards the bridge. When this happens the neck pitch lowers, action rises, and you end up lowering the saddle to achieve the same action. This cycle repeats over time until there is no more saddle height left and the only recourse is a neck reset. The floating brace helps with this issue and hopefully the need for a neck reset later in life.

[mcgr40]

I really like this brace. Is it carbon fiber capped or is that perhaps a piece of ebony? I don't see much to stop the flattening of the back arch on most designs(although I think that is at least part of the motivation behind an x-braced back). I have been thinking of using a brace like this and running from the heel and neck block.

[Stephen Strahm]

Originally Posted by mcgr40

I really like this brace. Is it carbon fiber capped or is that perhaps a piece of ebony? I don't see much to stop the flattening of the back arch on most designs(although I think that is at least part of the motivation behind an x-braced back). I have been thinking of using a brace like this and running from the heel and neck block.

I cap it with .025" Brazilian Rosewood though carbon fiber would work. There are other builders doing something similar if you look around all inspired by Jeff's design.

[Stephen Strahm]

Rim assembly lined and side struts glued.

[Stephen Strahm]

End graph.

[Stephen Strahm]

Closing the box is one of my favorite processes.

[Stephen Strahm]

Today I got the binding made & bent, binding ledges cut, and the back purfle ledge cut. Friday I'll cut the top purfle ledge, then start prepping the box to bind.

[Stephen Strahm]

All bound up.

[Stephen Strahm]

Overlay design and the lucky pieces to be used.

[Stephen Strahm]

The puzzle is complete.

[Stephen Strahm]

Overlay sanded to thickness and ready to laminate.