Acoustic Guitar Construction

Will do then. Good to know. Thanks, Ken.

Just wanted to follow up with my solution to this issue of the Martin OM sides not fitting in the mega-mold when I had it set-up using the LMI OM template--ie there were spaces between a number of the posts and I tried various ways to force the sides to fit before I came to my senses. As Ken correct...

I have a set of OM Indian Rosewood sides in the mega-mold that have developed black spots following the grain lines in many places. I'm ready to glue the neck and heel block, but thinking I should address this first, or at least have a plan for when I get to finishing some day. Any suggestions on ho...

Ah hah! That might explain my problem. I'm sure glad you're knowledgeable in all these matters. Let me circle back with the seller and see if I can confirm and clarify that the shape was bent at Martin -- I received no template from the seller, so purchased the LMI template after the fact. I'll also...

Ken, Thanks for clarifying your previous post regarding making the half-template to fit the sides as-is per their current "mis-shape." Whether this was caused by a poor bend or relaxing of the sides, I don't know. And copy that with respect to your concerns about forcing the rims to fit th...

Because I don't have a bending iron I ended up opting to add additional spreaders to press the sides against the 2-3 posts of the Mega Mold on each side near the top of the upper bout where the rims had relaxed, creating a roughly 1/8" gap tapering down over roughly 3" long each on both si...

Thanks for the good info here and the quick responses. Big help! I will post a follow-up with the solution I opt for once I address this issue. Happy 4th of July wknd!