KMG Ditson - Walnut and Sitka Spruce

[Daniel P]

I'm modifying, only slightly, the top bracing - been reading Somogyi, and some of his ideas are sticking.

Also, for this one the back was done with Titebond, but after a quick trip to Grizzly on Friday for some Behlen's Ground Hide glue, I'm going more traditional for the top brace glue. The idea that it could make any future repairs easier is appealing.

[Daniel P]

Have I mentioned how useful I've found both this little violin plane and the patternmaker's vice - they are likely the most used tools on my bench right now. Second only to a soft lead mechanical pencil, and the little Incra 3 inch t rule.

Here was just a little quick cleanup on the mahogany sound hole reinforcing strips.

[Kevin in California]

Looking just great. Nice light bracing.

[Daniel P]

Its tough to decide how low to go. Things were really sounding tight with the super thin tall braces, so I just keep taking a little away at a time until it opens up and rings.

[Daniel P]

Keep your tools and your tools will keep you. A few quick passes on a diamond pasted piece of horse hide keeps my brace carving chisels razor sharp.

[ken cierp]

Perhaps its an optical illusion? But it looks from the pictures that the "X" spread is beyond the length of the bridge -- That being the case, it would be something I would not recommend. In other words I would want the wings of the bridge (resting on) crossing the over the "X" brace legs which unifies the bridge, bridge plate, "X" brace assembly.

[Daniel P]

Ken, yes, I hope it is an optical illusion, as the x-brace placement follows the KMG Ditson pattern/template. I'll check it tonight against the width of the pyramid bridge.

The changes I made:
- 1/4" bracing for x brace, tone bars, and finger braces
- slight splaying of the two tone bars