Experimental top introduction

Tops only
AluminumTop
Posts: 43
Joined: Mon Nov 30, 2020 1:42 pm
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Experimental top introduction

Post by AluminumTop »

Hello All and thanks to John,

Being new to your Kit forum, and a kit builder.
I didn't know exactly where to post this topic, so it is here.

I transitioned from wood to aluminum while doing a career CNC Machining aerospace parts.
We did aero-structures similar to guitars, Thin skins with integral bracing.
So when i saw a raw glue-up soundboard structure...........
It was "why not in aluminum"
More story to come if any is interested.......................
Here it is on a LMI & Stew-Mac kit.
Thanks all,

Brian O aka here as AluminumTop

Quick amateur question, the forum uses "Top for Soundboard" ?
And, yes this is heresy and non-traditional............
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Danl8
Posts: 733
Joined: Mon Jul 28, 2014 7:50 am
Location: Chadds Ford, PA

Re: Experimental top introduction

Post by Danl8 »

Wow, very nice! Ultimately design must produce sound. How does this one compare in the sound quality category?
Skarsaune
Posts: 239
Joined: Mon Dec 03, 2018 9:12 am

Re: Experimental top introduction

Post by Skarsaune »

Just because you can, doesn't mean you should, lol.

Tons of resonators built from steel, aluminum, what have you, successfully.

so yeah, how does it sound???
AluminumTop
Posts: 43
Joined: Mon Nov 30, 2020 1:42 pm
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Re: Experimental top introduction

Post by AluminumTop »

Yes, the Question !
I have only anecdotal words to convey sound.

1st story, took it to the local Sam Ash and the wall of Taylor.
Had the salesman play a few of the latest, greatest, and most expensive from the wall.
Then play the Al soundboard Dread. to him it is as good or better with more clarity.
He had no idea that the soundboard was Aluminum until was told so.

Same thing with others. some names have auditioned this.
(This is not the place to display those names)
"not traditional but works"
"I did not believe it would sound this good"
"you are onto something with this"

There are no quality recordings to share.
I do not play guitar, so i depend upon others opinions and to do the actual construction of guitars.
There are 4 completed and i wish to share / spread these soundboards into the lutherie world.

I have approached the "Soundboard Dilemma" from engineering concepts and thoughts.
Before commencing this project, i read much about the "Art of Soundboards and Bracing"
Read all the patents and learned of the inherent problems of a thin vibrating plate with braces.
There is a PHD thesis with 175 pages too.

Thanks to all forums and hours of thought from others.
Wow, very complex subject, much subjectivity ................

Now simply, does anyone on this forum wish to have one and
build a Dread or two with the Aluminum Top?
These Soundboards i have are useless without a body

Basic LMI kit nothing more exotic than that,
all questions have probably been answered,
but go at the questions again......

Thanks to all on this forum,
Brian O
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tippie53
Posts: 7011
Joined: Fri Mar 03, 2006 7:09 pm
Location: Hegins, Pa
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Re: Experimental top introduction

Post by tippie53 »

one concern is what adhesive are you suggesting to use?
I hope someone here give this a try just for the educational and science of the project
John Hall
Blues Creek Guitars Inc
Authorized CF Martin Repair Center
president of Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans
http://www.bluescreekguitars.com
Skarsaune
Posts: 239
Joined: Mon Dec 03, 2018 9:12 am

Re: Experimental top introduction

Post by Skarsaune »

Have to be an epoxy, I’d say.

I’m not volunteering. No time for this, can’t even get my builds done.

Nope.

Never mind that spare set of Mahogany over there.

Nope. Not volunteering.

:-)
AluminumTop
Posts: 43
Joined: Mon Nov 30, 2020 1:42 pm
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Re: Experimental top introduction

Post by AluminumTop »

West Systems Marine products,
apply one individual rapid type to each surface, get tacky,
then another for soundboard to body slower cure.
3M has great stuff too.
My buddy from the satellite shop says they use this in orbit. bolts are too heavy.
Boeing and 3M have been bonding aircraft for years.

One concern was router bits for the binding, no problem this stuff is so soft i can cut with pocket knife.
rcnewcomb
Posts: 359
Joined: Wed Jul 29, 2015 9:04 pm
Location: San Jose, CA, USA

Re: Experimental top introduction

Post by rcnewcomb »

Is this 6061 aluminum?
What is the thickness of the unbraced areas?
What is the overall weight of the top?
- Randall Newcomb
10 fingers in, 10 fingers out - another good day in the shop
Skarsaune
Posts: 239
Joined: Mon Dec 03, 2018 9:12 am

Re: Experimental top introduction

Post by Skarsaune »

rcnewcomb wrote:Is this 6061 aluminum?
In one of the pics above, you can see it is 6061 to a T651 heat treat condition.
Diane Kauffmds
Posts: 3246
Joined: Sun Mar 09, 2014 8:13 pm

Re: Experimental top introduction

Post by Diane Kauffmds »

I might be interested in experimenting with this top. I've sent you a message.
Diane Kauffmann
Country Roads Guitars
countryroadsguitars@gmail.com
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