To tuck or not to tuck finger braces?

[jeffreysanfilipp]

I am on my first kit build, a forward x-braced martin 1937 dreadnought kinda of thing;-) I was wondering about the question of tucking or not tucking the finger braces. Seems to be, as usual, a few different ideas on this. Not tucking could "free" the sound board to ring more, sort of like thinning the edge of the top or routing a groove as Taylor does. Perhaps, not tucking could cause the top to split near the edge. I like the idea of a free top to produce volume and sustain, but is there really a big drawback to not tucking?

Thanks,

Jeff

[jeffreysanfilipp]

I'm sorry, I meant the tone bars. Tuck or not tuck the tone bars.

Thanks,

Jeff

[ken cierp]

I agree with the school of thought put forth by Master Repairman --- Don Teeter, tucking (bracing or bridge plate) adds zero structural value while creating a potential repair problem/situation nightmare.