Acoustic Guitar Construction

Seems like those two rods could act as a rail system for an adjustable condenser mic suspended on some sort of elastic band -- just a thought.

Hmmmm....actually that is not a bad idea...

The CF rods look nicely installed. I have not used them but have seen them in other guitars. I can see how they can provide some structure. If you can make a recording, I would really like to hear this one when it is finished.

They are buried well into the headstock, as per everyone I've read on the subject.
Like I tell my 'students' - every single step in guitar making is contested, and that is not a bad thing. I've not heard any discouraging comments about using cf rods in this manner, but I have read some responsible guys - the likes of Doolin and many others - that recommend some sort of cf rod system to stop rotation of the headblock and to allow the top to vibrate more freely. (Guess what? That statement too is contested!!! :-))

Of course the next question is : WHAT makes you think it does anything at all? And my answer is: the experience of others. Some of the very best ladder-brace guys use the rods exactly as I have, they have used them for years, and make various claims as to structural AND sonic advantage. And of course - a lot of the very best guys DON"T use cf rods. AAAAArgh!!

"Well Dave, what if this guitar turns out exceptionally good-sounding? Will you attribute that to the CF rods, and the fact that you made the top very light, counting on the rods to absorb some of the compression?" Beats me. But if it does sound that good, I'll stick with it for awhile on the ladder-braced instruments at least.

Tom does have some good recording equipment, so I hope to post some good clippage regardless of the outcome.

A short discussion toward the end of the page: http://www.anzlf.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=3801&view=next

Glued on the back. Very simple clamps.

Nice, did you make the clamps out of bed springs?

4" dryer vent clamps, 20 for a few dollars.