Any danger routing around the fingerboard?

[NeilG495]

Thinking of running my abalone purfling around the fingerboard extension, similar to Martins 45 series. Just wondering if there is anything to be wary of, is it likely to weaken the soundboard in that area?

[John Parchem]

Interesting question, the sound board is not supported, but Martin does it. I will be interested in hearing how it is done.

[John Parchem]

I have given this more thought. I think I would place a spruce patch wider than the inlay between the Heel block and the upper transverse brace. Basically replacing the popsicle brace with a large enough patch to support the inlay. Also I would probably want to wait until after the neck was fitted. Given that I would use hand tools to make the inlay channel.

Search Blues Creek Guitar, John Hall in youtube. He does a lot of Martin conversions so he may have a youtube video of his process.

[NeilG495]

Thanks John, my box is already closed so getting hand tools inside to remove a section of the popsicle brace would be a bit tricky. I think I’ll leave this one as is, with the abalone stopping at the fingerboard edge and maybe have a go with my next guitar - I do like your idea of a spruce patch inside though, I think that area of the soundboard would need it. Thanks again.