Acoustic Guitar Construction

I believe a common myth is that the three piece back on the D35 somehow changes the tonal characteristics making it sound different then the D28's -- most say more bass --- well not so, the truth is the D35 has lighter brace construction -- the D28 uses 5/16" wide X and tone bars while the D35's have 1/4" wide braces.

In my view three piece back construction opens a world of design opportunities, plus there is much more 6" wide 1/4 sawn material available as opposed to 8" wide boards.

I am with you there Ken... I've built two guitars that, if I wanted to use the wood they're made from, it was three piece back or not at all! My ears are too old and worn out to discern a difference in sound... I just love the possibilities.

Do you know of any resources for the pattern to brace the back? I've searched and searched and there really isn't a lot out there on constructing a three piece back.

I like the three piece just for the looks. I think it adds a lot to the beauty and craft of the guitar.

Any Martin "D" pattern or for that matter any respectable maker's "D" pattern will work just fine.

Centers from the neck block -- 4" -- 7 1/4" -- 10 3/8" -- 14 5/8"

Where do you get the patterns for making a 3 piece back? I really want to try one.

I don't believe a pattern is necessary -- just make the center section pleasing to the eye. The first one I made, I looked at a picture of a D35 and proportioned the center based on the width of the neck heel. Some of the very expensive Taylor three piecers have a rather narrow wedge. No limits -- If I had to duplicate a D35 I'd go to Elderly or Guitar center and take off the measurements. As stated about it the 1/4" bracing that makes the D35 sound different then the D28 -- not the three piece back.