KMG Ditson - Walnut and Sitka Spruce

Daniel P · Post by **Daniel P** » Mon Sep 22, 2014 11:34 am

Dave, Yes those are from the stencil/template.

Do you have any photos of the Ditsons you've built?
Do I remember correctly that you did a 35 style back with cutaway?

Dave Bagwill · Post by **Dave Bagwill** » Mon Sep 22, 2014 12:28 pm

Here is how I braced the back of the 3 pc back from Ken.
I don't think the stencils at that time had the back brace info - I just went into the shop to check my first Ditson stencil and it was called the "KMG 12th fret dreadnaught" and there was no other info, so I guess I just looked at pix of other dreds and copied that.

Daniel P · Post by **Daniel P** » Mon Sep 22, 2014 12:38 pm

Back bracing is far more about structural integrity than it is about tonal response, correct?

It wouldn't be a a huge risk to make some adjustments to my spacing?

Dave Bagwill · Post by **Dave Bagwill** » Mon Sep 22, 2014 2:32 pm

Actually - there is no risk at all - just good even spacing is the key - you're totally correct about the back braces being structural. Take a look at the pic I provided and try to space about like that. It is not critical.

ken cierp · Post by **ken cierp** » Mon Sep 22, 2014 3:03 pm

Not critical -- that's what I got from the guy that shadowed a Ditson and traced the pattern. They are there to keep the back from caving in but placement is not a big deal -- please your eye. And if you have time look on the internet for some of that patterns makers use many that do not make any sense all, structurally or appearance.

But thanks for the heads up I think I make a change with more equal spacing indicated on the label.

Daniel P · Post by **Daniel P** » Mon Sep 22, 2014 3:42 pm

I'll look at equalizing the spacing and share the measurements.

I see many back brace configurations that appear to prioritize placing a brace across the narrow point of the waist. Is there a structural benefit to that, or just looks good?

ken cierp wrote:Not critical -- that's what I got from the guy that shadowed a Ditson and traced the pattern. They are there to keep the back from caving in but placement is not a big deal -- please your eye. And if you have time look on the internet for some of that patterns makers use many that do not make any sense all, structurally or appearance.

But thanks for the heads up I think I make a change with more equal spacing indicated on the label.

Daniel P · Post by **Daniel P** » Mon Sep 29, 2014 3:32 pm

I haven't tackled the back bracing spacing yet- been busy with the 00-12, but I did get the kerfing fishing up, and the side reinforcing strips glued in.

A few of the tools at hand.

A few of the clamps I picked up for $.95 each when Lowes was clearing out their line of Bessey clamps.

Acoustic Guitar Construction

KMG Ditson - Walnut and Sitka Spruce

Re: KMG Ditson - Walnut and Sitka Spruce

Re: KMG Ditson - Walnut and Sitka Spruce

Re: KMG Ditson - Walnut and Sitka Spruce

Re: KMG Ditson - Walnut and Sitka Spruce

Re: KMG Ditson - Walnut and Sitka Spruce

Re: KMG Ditson - Walnut and Sitka Spruce

Re: KMG Ditson - Walnut and Sitka Spruce