I am familiar will the structural role of rosettes and binding, but could you say more about backstrips, Bruce? I imagine it has to do with reinforcing the center join (in tandem with the interior strip)?
I see a lot of modern bespoke builds that have no backstrip--usually, I surmise, because the builder or client decided that figure of the wood looks best without one. Many of these builders have excellent reputations and are not the sort to cut corners (nor do I think you had such people in mind when you made the above remark) so what are the cases when you deem the lack of a backstrip not to be cutting corners?
Could you also speak about arm bevels? I know they make the soundboard area smaller, but this is the first I'm hearing from someone with your level of expertise that they challenge the integrity of the instrument in some way.
|