Reinforcing side (inside) for soundport with fiberglass

[Backcountry]

Guarding against the mess it could make, is there a downside to this idea?

I have a not-cheap, not-expensive guitar that I'm thinking about adding a soundport to...in other threads here I see where some opted for an additional bent piece (wood) to reinforce around the port (on the inside).

Seems like a few layers of fiberglass would be a relatively quick and easier solution.

Yay or nay?

[John Arnold]

Other than my aversion to fiberglass in general, I see nothing wrong with the idea. But it is relatively simple to add a layer of veneer (cross grained) on the inside. Since it is aligned cross grain, it will bend to conform to the curvature with no steaming.

[Quickstep192]

It might work if you use Epoxy to saturate the fiberglass cloth. Fiberglass resin doesn't typically tolerate much wood movement and can break free. It's hard to say how many layers you'd need to build up to get the necessary strength.

[mirwa]

It's pretty easy and less messy using just a thin piece of wood or veneer.

You can soak it in hot water and then clamp it to dry on the new soundhole. This will keep its shape relatively well. You can also apply it to the outside to form its shape and put some large rubber bands over the top to hold it in place.

Steve

[printer2]

Depends what you are used to. With most of us we have the wood and the means to clamp it in place so the operation is relatively easy. For a person with layout experience and the supplies laying around the fiberglass method may be easier. I would use wood as that is what the rest of the guitar is made of. If it were a fiberglass guitar I would glass it.

[Backcountry]

Thanks for the advice, folks!

I think I'll try the soaking veneer in hot water technique. That seems like the least no muss, no fuss approach.