Martin N-20 Bracing Pattern

[Sam VanLaningham]

Hi everyone over here in Classical! I dont know much about classical guitars Im interested in seeing the bracing pattern on the Martin N20. Does anyone have pics or know of plans etc?

Thanks for any thoughts.

Sam

[brucefulton]

Originally Posted by Left of Sam

Hi everyone over here in Classical! I dont know much about classical guitars Im interested in seeing the bracing pattern on the Martin N20. Does anyone have pics or know of plans etc?

Thanks for any thoughts.

Sam

Standard classical fan-braced, see http://www.fretboardjournal.com/blog...69-martin-n-20

[Sam VanLaningham]

Originally Posted by brucefulton

Standard classical fan-braced, see http://www.fretboardjournal.com/blog...69-martin-n-20

Thanks Bruce! Thats a start.

But I know with X-bracing, the term "X-bracing" doesnt mean the exact same geometry no matter body shape and size! Darnit. Anyways, the hunt continues. And though I thought I had the body dimensions, Martins specs for the N-20 WN dont have length, width, thickness etc.

Sam

[charles Tauber]

A Google search suggests that John Hall at Blues Creek has/had one. Contact him for interior information.

http://www.bluescreekguitars.com

[Sam VanLaningham]

Originally Posted by charles Tauber

A Google search suggests that John Hall at Blues Creek has/had one. Contact him for interior information.

http://www.bluescreekguitars.com

OK thats a solid lead, Charles. Thanks. Sam

[Brandy1]

Realize the 1969. And older N series has slightly different specs than 1970 and newer ones. Neck scale length, head stock. However bracing should be the same, I use to have a N10 a very nice guitar.

[Ned Milburn]

Maybe you could contact the seller and ask for a photo of the inside...??

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-1962...-/281653982233

[Sam VanLaningham]

Ok digging deeper I have learned:

Acoustic guitar mag from 1994 reports that the n20 had a Modified bouchet bracing pattern, a fan different from martins modified fan. Designed by John huber.

Hmmmmmm, as one would expect, the plot thickens!

Sam

[brucefulton]

Originally Posted by Left of Sam

Ok digging deeper I have learned:

Acoustic guitar mag from 1994 reports that the n20 had a Modified bouchet bracing pattern, a fan different from martins modified fan. Designed by John huber.

Hmmmmmm, as one would expect, the plot thickens!

Sam

[charles Tauber]

Perhaps, what Bouchet was most famous for was having fan braces extend from the lower bout into the upper bout through cutouts in the two cross braces, one above the sound hole, one below the sound hole.

I don't know what bearing that has on the N-20, if any.

[Ned Milburn]

Originally Posted by Left of Sam

Ok digging deeper I have learned:

Acoustic guitar mag from 1994 reports that the n20 had a Modified bouchet bracing pattern, a fan different from martins modified fan. Designed by John huber.

Hmmmmmm, as one would expect, the plot thickens!

Sam

BTW... Why are you curious about the N-20 bracing pattern? While Martin is well known for building a good steel string guitar, no serious classical guitarist considers Martin nylon string guitars close to performance calibre. They are folk instruments. If you want to build a great nylon string guitar, studying the great classical guitar builders would be more fruitful, IMHO.

[Sam VanLaningham]

Originally Posted by Ned Milburn

BTW... Why are you curious about the N-20 bracing pattern? While Martin is well known for building a good steel string guitar, no serious classical guitarist considers Martin nylon string guitars close to performance calibre. They are folk instruments. If you want to build a great nylon string guitar, studying the great classical guitar builders would be more fruitful, IMHO.

Im with you Ned. In this short investigation into classical designs my respect and interest have skyrocketed. Seems a lot of these luthiers are into quantitative aspects of acoustic, which I love. But alas, sir Willie nelson is the motivation. Cool!

[Brandy1]

"no serious classical guitarist considers Martin nylon string guitars close to performance calibre." I beg to differ

Martin built the 00-18c 00-18g, 0028c, 00-28g, N10, N20, and C-TSH. All are excellent guitars in their price range. Dollar for dollar they are better than any production guitar for the same price. Remember I said production guitar not custom guitar at 5 to 10 times the cost.

If you compare a 1000 dollar martin against a 1000 competitor nylon they are an excellent value. Same with a 2000 dollar nylon guitar. But a concert level custom guitar are not priced at the same level as Martin's Dollar for dollar Martin's are an excellent value.

A martin C-TSH is a performance level guitar. Designed by Thomas Humphreys built by martin. Until you have played one I wouldn't make such a foolish claim.

[charles Tauber]

Originally Posted by Brandy1

"no serious classical guitarist considers Martin nylon string guitars close to performance calibre." I beg to differ

Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion. Clearly you have a vested interest.

Current Martin's; 00-18C, D-18AG, HD-28, D3-18, OMC-18LJ, OMC-28 LJ, OMC-28MLJ, 000-28ECB, , HJ-38SG, OM-42AR, C-TSH.

My opinion is the same as Ned's. If someone told me they are playing a Martin nylon string, I'd be pretty certain they are not "a serious classical guitarist".

[brucefulton]

Originally Posted by Brandy1

"no serious classical guitarist considers Martin nylon string guitars close to performance calibre." I beg to differ

In over 40 years of being a student in, a graduate of, and then a patron of a major university classical guitar program, I've not seen one degree seeking student in attendance with a Martin nylon string guitar. They are simply not suitable for serious classical guitar study. Nice folk guitars, though. Just sayin.