Does a composite guitar have bracing?

[PorkPieGuy]

Does the composite guitar have bracing underneath the top (like solid wood guitars), or is the material strong enough to take the tension of the strings on its own?

Just a random question that I thought I would throw out there. I've never seen one up close enough to tell.


Thanks.

[690MBCOMMANDO]

Originally Posted by PorkPieGuy

Does the composite guitar have bracing underneath the top (like solid wood guitars), or is the material strong enough to take the tension of the strings on its own?

Just a random question that I thought I would throw out there. I've never seen one up close enough to tell.


Thanks.

great question! now im curious too.

[PorkPieGuy]

I just found this on the description at Musicians Friend:

RainSong guitars are made entirely without braces for greater acoustic volume and clean, detailed tone.

Wow, so I guess not! I never would have thought.

[speed12]

Rainsongs don't but CA's do.

As far as I know, a CRP guitar doesnt need bracing as the top is incredibly stiff, but CA found that the bracing actually helped shape the sound and so put them back in. The newest ones (Cargo, 5i and 7i) actually have the braces moulded into the top.

[1ply]

The Emerald Guitars did not have top bracing.
Peace,
Rip

[Tsckey]

Speed12 is right. The carbon tops don't need bracing for strength. CA applies bracing to tailor the sound; Rainsong, I believe, varies top thickness to achieve the same effect.

TC