Acoustic Guitar Construction

Actually, Tony, it was the PRS factory tour that I was referring to; probably the same set-up, and the word 'halo' is a good way of referring to it.

Looking at the pictures from Kenneth Micheal I see that small parts of the sides are sacrificed to install the bracing. That looks as a real no no to me. In the end result you'll have these nice dark sides and at certain points there are light pieces of wood showing.
Of course that can be remedied by using binding but when you don't want to use binding it seems like a real downer to me!

Seeing that the method shown at the KMG website is one of the two industry standard methods used world-wide I'd not be concerned that it is some how a no no -- please! Better clue in Bob Taylor and most of the high end makers.

Anyway -- there's even reference in the articles to take precaustions so the bindings cover the brace ends, so clearly if you don't use bindings you need to use the notching method. Am I missing the point of this post?

Maybe I just misunderstood it?

Welcome to the Forum!

The KMG method is of course for the 99% of builders who do use binding, and it makes a lot of sense to aid in locating the brace ends.

If you are not doing bindings - and that can be a good look if you are really attentive and take care of business - then of course you don't want to put those little .07" gaps in places to be seen.

You will learn over time that the KMG manual is reliable and is the result of many years' worth of building and perfecting and tweaking the method, and has stood the test of time. It is THE standard for kit construction instruction, and ----free, for cryin' out loud. :-)

Are you working on a scratch build, or a kit?