My first build

[Michael Haines]

This is a Martin OOO from Blues Creek pictured in my mold also from Blues Creek. I have fit the sides into the mold, glued in both blocks as well as the kerfing and have established the radius on the back. I will radius the front when I watch John's video again. I have a question regarding the side bracing. The kit came with two strips which I can get 4 braces from is this enough? I have seen several pictures of guitars with more than 4. Thanks for looking Mike Haines

[Benjy]

Looking good!

I do not know how many braces are enough, I am sure John and others will be along to answer your question. I am guessing that it depends on the type of wood and the thickness of the sides.

[BradHall]

Congratulations on starting your first build. I'm doing the same. My KMG kit came with brace material for 6 per side. 4 overall seems like not enough, but I'm sure the experts will let you know. Good luck.

[Danl8]

Mike,
I would give John a call for advice on your kit. Four total seems a bit light. You can also use linen tape in place of wood.
-d.

[MaineGeezer]

Per the recommendation of the luthier who is guiding me, I'm using 10 side braces on the guitar I'm currently building. Now, they aren't very big;they are triangular shaped, 1/4" base width and about 1/4" tall. What cross-section do you contemplate for your side braces?

[Diane Kauffmds]

Looking very good Mike.

I base the number of side braces on the thickness and stability of the sides. I used a total of 8 braces, 4 on each side, on my OM (same size as 000). The sides on my OM were thinned to ~ 2mm (.080").

I used 10 braces on my 00 even though it's smaller than the OM, because the sides were a bit thinner at .065-.070", but also because I used highly figured curly cherry that had a lot of sap holes. The extra set went into the upper bout curve, where I worried about the possibility of a crack forming because of the sap holes.

Unless you think the sides are very thin, or in any way could become easily cracked, 8 (4 per side), are more than enough.

[Diane Kauffmds]

This is a Martin OOO from Blues Creek pictured in my mold also from Blues Creek. I have fit the sides into the mold, glued in both blocks as well as the kerfing and have established the radius on the back. I will radius the front when I watch John's video again. I have a question regarding the side bracing. The kit came with two strips which I can get 4 braces from is this enough? I have seen several pictures of guitars with more than 4. Thanks for looking Mike Haines

Mike, I just realized that you meant 4 braces total, rather than 4 braces per strip. I would contact John and ask him about that.

[mnmusic]

Hi Mike,

I'll be watching this thread closely since you're building the same first guitar that I'll eventuality be building as my first guitar.

Ed

[tippie53]

Martin uses none on the small bodies but here 2 per side , one on each side of the waist. My preference is to use cloth ribbon glued to the sides like the old days. 5/8 wide polyester ribbon you can get at walmart. titebond will stick it on well.
I use this.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/TESA-51026-3-4- ... xywh1TBxQC

this works very well.

the purpose of this brace or reinforcement is to help control a side crack should you bump guitar. When I use cloth I put 7 to 9 per side.

[Michael Haines]

Thank you everyone for the comments. I will post some more pics as I continue. Mike Haines