D35 Three piece backs

[ken cierp]

I believe a common myth is that the three piece back on the D35 somehow changes the tonal characteristics making it sound different then the D28's -- most say more bass --- well not so, the truth is the D35 has lighter brace construction -- the D28 uses 5/16" wide X and tone bars while the D35's have 1/4" wide braces.

In my view three piece back construction opens a world of design opportunities, plus there is much more 6" wide 1/4 sawn material available as opposed to 8" wide boards.

[TSPaxton]

I am with you there Ken... I've built two guitars that, if I wanted to use the wood they're made from, it was three piece back or not at all! My ears are too old and worn out to discern a difference in sound... I just love the possibilities.

[JaredEvans]

Do you know of any resources for the pattern to brace the back? I've searched and searched and there really isn't a lot out there on constructing a three piece back.

I like the three piece just for the looks. I think it adds a lot to the beauty and craft of the guitar.

[ken cierp]

Any Martin "D" pattern or for that matter any respectable maker's "D" pattern will work just fine.

[ken cierp]

Centers from the neck block -- 4" -- 7 1/4" -- 10 3/8" -- 14 5/8"

[Tim Benware]

Where do you get the patterns for making a 3 piece back? I really want to try one.

[ken cierp]

I don't believe a pattern is necessary -- just make the center section pleasing to the eye. The first one I made, I looked at a picture of a D35 and proportioned the center based on the width of the neck heel. Some of the very expensive Taylor three piecers have a rather narrow wedge. No limits -- If I had to duplicate a D35 I'd go to Elderly or Guitar center and take off the measurements. As stated about it the 1/4" bracing that makes the D35 sound different then the D28 -- not the three piece back.