Sometimes what looks like more work up front is really the easiest and best approach to a repair. Repairing a single broken brace through the soundhole makes sense, but what about 3 or 4? What about repairs that are very difficult to reach in the lower bout? At a certain point it really just makes more sense from a time involved perspective as well as a quality of repair one to just open it up. Of course this presents some new problems. Bindings to deal with, getting the back realigned, etc. But like anything else, with proper tools, jigging and a well planned repair process it actually goes rather well.
This link is to my latest blog entry where I detail the repairs of Guild D-30 that was stepped on and partially repaired by someone else. I show my methods for opening and reclosing a soundbox as well as the actual repairs to the bracing etc. Enjoy.
http://howardguitars.blogspot.com/20...r-repairs.html