Bracing questions

[Michael C]

Howdy, I'm was looking at buying a travel guitar when it struck me that I should build one. I've always wanted to, so now's a good time.

I'm going with 3/4 size, 19in scale which coincidentally puts it in size with a baritone uke. I was given a baritone plan by another acquaintance, so that's what I'm going with. My questions... what sort of bracing? Considering that I'm taking a 4 nylon string instrument and making it into a 6 steel string instrument, my braces have to be more robust. I have two basic ideas... scale down a full sized pattern to 75%, or use something like a parlor pattern and adjust for fit. I'm going to leave the top a little thicker, say 2.75 or 3mm to help counter some of the increased string tension as well.

I realize that the effect of scaling the instrument plans down will not be linear in nature, but perhaps it's a good starting point?

[John Parchem]

Sure, switch to a parlor x brace with a single tone bar. Use the braces to take the additional load, thickness the top to the best sound. If it is spruce 2.75 mm would be OK. 3 mm sounds thick. A smaller top can be thinner than a larger top.

[Tim Benware]

Bear in mind the shorter scale will reduce string tension.

[ken cierp]

Hi Michael,
Have you ever constructed a guitar? Bare in mind that even though you are planning a travel guitar you are still going to need all the supplies, tooling and fixtures that are required for a respectable full size instrument. So what I am asking is, what are you hoping to take away from this project? Save money -- not likely. Is it a stepping stone to building more guitars. What I am saying is that a small scratch build guitar is just as challenging as a scratch built full size instrument. Plus you are now introducing a whole list of unknowns (as the post clearly indicates) and for sure there are few resources for the special sized parts you'll need. Perhaps you have thought this all through, I am just putting it out there.

[Michael C]

Hi Michael,
Have you ever constructed a guitar? Bare in mind that even though you are planning a travel guitar you are still going to need all the supplies, tooling and fixtures that are required for a respectable full size instrument. So what I am asking is, what are you hoping to take away from this project? Save money -- not likely. Is it a stepping stone to building more guitars. What I am saying is that a small scratch build guitar is just as challenging as a scratch built full size instrument. Plus you are now introducing a whole list of unknowns (as the post clearly indicates) and for sure there are few resources for the special sized parts you'll need. Perhaps you have thought this all through, I am just putting it out there.

All valid questions. I hope to build more instruments in the future. I already have a shop full of tools, so not much worry there. I'm aware that most builders don't make or save money doing this, and I'm OK with that. I'm looking to stay busy in my impending retirement. Looking forward to learning by doing.

[John Link]

Michael,

I think Ken is suggesting, and if he is I certainly agree, it would be easier to start with a proven design. There are lots to choose from, and you might find a small sized parlor almost as easy to travel with as a 3/4. Believe me, the first build feels like you are totally by yourself on a mission to Mars, without adding questions like the ones you are asking, which few can help you with. If you follow the "success kit" guidelines elsewhere in the KMG domain, you should wind up with a better instrument than many factory built specimens. My two cents, as they say.