To tuck or not to tuck

[Tj Turner]

What are everyone's thoughts on you king in the braces?

Unstuck for more soundboard mobility...tuck to make sure we don't knock loose braces?

[ken cierp]

Never tucked --- My decision was/is based on what Don Teeter (the master repairman) wrote decades ago -- In his experience and observations, tucking did not prevent glue joint failure and just represented an unnecessary added difficulty in the replacement/repair process. Made sense to me.

[Lonnie B]

Good reply Ken. I've often wondered about just that very thing. Makes sense.

[Herman]

I only tuck in the X-braces and the upper transvers brace in the upper bout. The rest I taper to the perimeter.
IMO this is (and very subjective!) better for strength of the upper side of the body.
I did tuck in the other braces before, but I cannot hear a difference between the two approaches.

This FIW
Herman

[ken cierp]

Good point Herman -- yes I too inlet the upper bout "X" legs in hopes of unifying and making that area of the sound board a little stiffer.

[Tj Turner]

Thanks guys...I was leaning that way as well...nice to have some confirmation that I'm not too off base.