How much do x-brace inlets really matter?

[ken cierp]

This guy makes some pretty nice sounding guitars

http://www.rtaylorguitars.com/Woods-Bracing-02.aspx

Not only not notched there is also a thinning band routed to increase the diaphragm effect.

On the other hand J45's have the bracing inlet

[Dave Bagwill]

Ponder ponder ponder

Still, has Sexauer or anyone else SEEN a brace peel off and determined why?

[ken cierp]

Can't say I have (I am only one guy) However, cracks I've seen usually originate on that outer concave curve. As Tony mentioned I think it is from a jolt to the top on the perimeter.

[Kevin in California]

I haven't pondered much yet, but I'll jump in anyway.
I like the idea of shaving down the ends of the X braces and just fitting the top down onto the kerfing....much less work.....but I still feel more secure having those inletted into the sides for strength and safety sake. I have never repaired a guitar top, and I can't imagine anyone beating their guitar against the wall hard enough to knock the braces loose, but just in case, I want some extra insurance that the unit will stay together.
I'll bet most of use wouldn't be able to hear a difference if you could take a guitar with inletted x braces, play it, remember what it sounds like, the take the top off, shave the braces down, relgue the top and play it that way. Maybe some could......ponder ponder.
I think I'll continue to tuck those babies in. If I was going to make hundreds of guitars to sell, I might experiment in that area, but since I'm not, I won't.

Kevin

[Dave Bagwill]

What I'm thinking is - millions of guitars out there, and a lot of them that have x-braces that are inlet but not actually glued to anything but the top. That at least is what I would bet. The notch is a little too high or wide, and in reality the brace for all intents and purposes is not inlet.
But I don't hear any even anecdotal evidence that braces are peeling off. Unless the notch is actually joined to that brace, the whole notching thing has been in vain.

Maybe I'm wrong. Without evidence though, I'm wondering if the paper-thin brace ends tucked under kerfing is not actually a better method.

[Kevin in California]

I suppose if the notch created does not make a tight fit for the brace end, you may be right. I've always tried to get as precise and tight a fit as I can, and I also put glue in the notch, so I know that brace end is secured in there.
It doesn't seem that the paper thin brace end would make as strong a box, but I'm just guessing.
Are you going to try it?

Kevin

[peter havriluk]

If I'm attaching the top first, then I could very likely have access to the inside of the guitar when the top is clamped into place and the glue is still wet. I could easily shim the x braces into their pockets in the kerfing so as to firmly join the braces to the kerfing/sides, couldn't I? Have I missed something here?

Thanks, folks.