How much do x-brace inlets really matter?

[Kevin in California]

Line up the top and tail center lines and put some tape on it.

Kevin

[Dave Bagwill]

Kevin that is too easy and does not involve a jig from Stewmac, nor having to get a small loan in order to purchase it. You'll have to do better than that my friend. :-)
But yeah, I'll try that..

[Kevin in California]

I will start working on the jig post haste!
How about two very small block of spruce glued to the top on either side of the end block so that when you place the top on the rims, the end block fits between those small blocks. They would only have to be an 1/8" thick, maybe less. That is a good idea, I think I'll do it on my current guitar build
Thanks Kevin.

Kevin

(edit) In fact, do it on the neck end too. I think I will, thanks.

Kevin

[Dave Bagwill]

<note to self: thank Kevin for what actually was not a bad idea, then think of something better! Don't let anyone see this note>

[Dave Bagwill]

Thanks Kevin, for what is not actually a bad idea. I think it's a step in the right direction for no-notchers. :-)

I wonder if for the rear block a short dowel attached to the top that could locate into a hole in the block would provide a positive, no-guesswork, 'this is the right exact spot' type of experience? Just a little dowel and a tight fit?

[ken cierp]

Once you align like demo'd here:

http://www.kennethmichaelguitars.com/gl ... rsion.html

You can actually drill into the neck block and install permenent pins, the factories usually place the locators in this location

[TonyinNYC]

Kevin that is too easy and does not involve a jig from Stewmac, nor having to get a small loan in order to purchase it. You'll have to do better than that my friend. :-)
But yeah, I'll try that..

Actually, one seller just released what they call their, "Center Line Marking Tape" Here is the marketing blurb from their website:

NEW PRODUCT!!
Luthier's Center Line Marking Tape (TM)
This is a great idea we stole...errr....totally came up with ourselves and not from reading lutherie forums. This specialized "Center Line Marking Tape (tm)" has been designed through years of trial and error to deliver worry free performance. The patented, high tech adhesive has been specially formulated to stick tight, but release when pulled gently (recommends to use of a heat gun to help prevent tearing out any spruce fibers). The patented, high tech adhesive will keep your tape in place until you no longer want it in place. Here are the directions for use:
1) Carefully measure and mark the center line of the top or back plate using the method of your choice. (its highly recommend that you use one of our patented Luthier's Graphite Marking Sticks, wrapped with cedar and yellow paint, with our patented, built in, "luthier's mark removal device" conveniently located at the opposite end of the marking point.(It's the part that looks like an eraser, but it is actually a patented, luthier's mark removal device, OK?)
2) Tear off a small, 1.5" section of our patented Center Line Marking Tape(TM).
3) Tear off a second, 1.5" piece of our patented Center Line Marking Tape(TM).
4) Carefully place one piece of our patented Center Line Marking Tape (TM) on either side of the center line mark (made with our Luthier's marking sticks)
5) Using the other piece of our patented Center Line Marking Tape(TM), locate the side of the center line mark without a piece of our patented Center Line Marking Tape(TM) on it and carefully place the second piece of our patented Center Line Marking Tape(TM) on that side. Take care to get as close to the line as possible without covering it up.
6) Using the Luthier's mark removal device (which can be found at the far end of the patented Luthier's Graphite Marking Sticks (remember, it's the part that looks like a normal pencil eraser, but is specially designed to remove Luthier's marks, which are of course, markings made by luthiers, duh!)
7) Attach top or back plate to the rim using the glue of your choice. We highly recommend that the glue of your choice be our patented "Luthier's Over Priced, relabeled White Glue". If your glue of choice is something else, that's probably OK, but you are dumb and your guitars will not sound as good.
8) Carefully remove the two pieces of our patented Center Line Marking Tape(TM).
9) If any glue residue is left on the guitar, we recommend our patented Luthier's Denatured Alcohol which is specially formulated to out perform regular denatured alcohol by the addition of the word "luthier" on the bottle. It is also much more expensive, which virtually guarantees that it is better, right?
10) Luthier. There. Now we can raise the price a bit more.

Don't be fooled by amateur luthiers who say you can use 3M blue painters tape. You can't. They are identical products, and in fact, we paid 3M to re-label their tape, but "painters tape" wont work for lutherie applications because the tape knows what it was sold for. Painter's tape is for painting. Center Line Marking Tape(TM) is different because it says "luthier" on it. C'mon people!! We have been over this already!!


This stuff sounds AWESOME!!!! I just ordered 50 rolls!! It's what the real luthiers use!!