Acoustic Guitar Construction

I normally use Spanish cedar reverse kerfed linings for my guitars, but decided to try out the basswood linings being offered by one of the major supply houses. Anyone who uses RR linings knows you need to pre-bend them before you install them. Per Ken's instructions, you wet the linings, then bend them around the outside of the rim so the web side is supported. This helps to prevent any breakage so the linings look nicer once installed. I have followed that same procedure for 8 guitars and is usually works great. However, with the OM's I have built, the linings always crack in the tighter bends of the upper bout and the waist. Not the worst thing in the world, but I like my boxes to be as clean on the inside as they are on the outside. I decided to use the basswood linings because they are very white and I wanted that contrast on a ziricote OM I am working on.
I was pleasantly surprised then the linings bent with no breaks at all. Plus, they look pretty nice! They don't smell as nice as the Spanish cedar linings, but there are always compromises to be made, right?
Anyway, if you are in the market for linings, I recommend the basswood linings.
I hope to try Kevin Ryan's A-4 linings one day. I was going to use them on one of the two I am building now, but I forgot and ordered the basswood linings by mistake!

I had that problem on the first OM's with Reverse linings I did so I tried adding kerfs (used my .010" saw) in the area that had the severest bends and it worked well. I was using Mahogany linings.

Basswood linings are nice --- I like the look but don't like the odor when working basswood. Hey do you install them with "fish glue?"

I am going to start making hardwood linings most likely I'll have them in the on line store. Gotta do something with the tons of cut offs. Of course R. Taylor guitars have them and make claims of superiority -- I just like the way they look.

Fish glue and basswood.:-)

Are the solid kerfings difficult to bend?

deadedith wrote:Fish glue and basswood.:-)

Are the solid kerfings difficult to bend?

My kerfings are pretty crumbly. Very dust like.

kencierp wrote:Basswood linings are nice --- Hey do you install them with "fish glue?"

I DO! I just tried it on my last build and I like it.

Did you guys know that in a double blind, placebo controlled study that was never conducted concluded that HHG and fish glue sound better and more impressive than saying "TiteBond" when talking to potential customers about your high priced custom guitars?
It's true! If you say you use hide glue, you sound cooler. Try it.