Oops! graft grain wrong!
 

I'm just about done building 3 OMs, my 3rd, 4th and 5th build. I don't know how I missed the fact that the back graft bracing is supposed to have the grain oriented 90 degrees to the back grain. I must have skimmed over that page in Cumpiano. This is rather upsetting. The guitars are all coming out very nicely. So the question is, do I fix somehow? Or let it go? It makes perfect sense why you would orient the grain that way now that I'm aware. The graft is basically useless running the same direction. Any thoughts?? I could fix the one under the sound hole relatively easily, but the others would be very difficult.

Thanks for your input!

D

Sounds like it's too late.

But unless you have a decorative back strip, the back graft is not actually necessary so I wouldn't worry too much.

They all have thin backstrips inlaid.

I think you are speaking of the piece I call the "marriage strip", and while it might be best to have it at right angles to prevent the joint from opening, it seems likely the guitar will survive just as well. At right angles it would be more resistant the seam failing, but it is still probably pretty unlikely with precise joinery. Acoustically, you still have the same weight in roughly the same spot.
I am guessing it will be okay.

ha, marriage strip, I like that. It will be interesting to see if any dealers/appraisers notice. I'm hoping to shop these around a bit once finished.

I also don't think I've ever seen a guitar fail at that joint. I've often seen cracks somewhere between the binding edge and center seam.

I've been building for about 15 years now - most of that full-time. Here's my back centerstrip. I think you'll be okay :)

http://fayguitars.com/Guitars/Galler...lres_24933.jpg

OK, thanks. That's a relief. That look freaking gorgeous by the way. That kerf lining is very interesting. Like an accordion.

The kerfing is sold by Kevin Ryan - called A4 kerfing. He has evolved the product and now has a product called A5. It's very nice stuff - highly recommend.

I think it doesn’t matter.

I wouldn't get too bent out of shape about it.