X-brace interfaces

Talk about musical instrument construction, setup and repair.

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Kevin Manuele
Wandoo
Posts: 11
Joined: Tue Sep 18, 2018 4:38 am

X-brace interfaces

Post by Kevin Manuele » Wed Feb 12, 2020 9:36 am

Thought I posted a similar recently, but trying again:

I see variations on how face and finger braces, and the bridge plate, interface to the X-braces. Some builders prefer that there are no connections, with an intentional gap. Others want a connection.

G&G recommends the latter, with the braces butted up against the X but scalloped down to 2 mm. The X arms are also butted directly against the bridge plate, presumably glued there too. The latter seems to make some sense, intuitively.

Neither method is a challenge to build, but I am interested in any structural benefits, or risks, to either approach.

Comments appreciated.

thanks

Kevin

jeffhigh
Blackwood
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Joined: Thu Feb 07, 2008 5:50 am
Location: Caves Beach, NSW
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Re: X-brace interfaces

Post by jeffhigh » Mon Feb 17, 2020 10:57 am

Tapering down to 2mm at a butt joint between braces is essentially unconnected as far as any bending strength. What you are trying to avoid here is something like a full height butt joint which if it were to crack apart could buzz,
Some older Martins connected finger braces and bridge plate to the X braces by "tucking" them under the X brace for a few mm. This has fallen out of favour as it is more work in building and makes repair difficult.

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