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Bridge Plate for Classical Guitar
Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2014 11:39 am
by Diane Kauffmds
Besides the obvious (support), what is the purpose of a bridge plate on a classical guitar? The classical guitar left to me by my husband's daughter, is too damaged to repair. I'm replacing the top, which had traditional 5 fan bracing. After looking through the internet, I've found that the need for a support plate is questioned, especially when the fan braces are cut to go over this plate, thereby weakening them, and plates are rarely used on a thicker top. From what I've read, most Hauser style guitars with 7 fan braces, rarely have this plate.
Does this plate help conduct bridge vibrations, thereby enhancing sound output, or is it used to strengthen the bridge area?
Re: Bridge Plate for Classical Guitar
Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2014 2:21 pm
by johnnparchem
Diane Kauffmds wrote:Besides the obvious (support), what is the purpose of a bridge plate on a classical guitar? The classical guitar left to me by my husband's daughter, is too damaged to repair. I'm replacing the top, which had traditional 5 fan bracing. After looking through the internet, I've found that the need for a support plate is questioned, especially when the fan braces are cut to go over this plate, thereby weakening them, and plates are rarely used on a thicker top. From what I've read, most Hauser style guitars with 7 fan braces, rarely have this plate.
Does this plate help conduct bridge vibrations, thereby enhancing sound output, or is it used to strengthen the bridge area?
I think it is very much as you describe, there is a difference of opinion. Hauser used bridge plates and the 1937 and 1943 plans that most follow to build a Hauser have bridge plates. Also many of the better\master builders that build in the Hauser\Torres style like Jeffery Elliott use a bridge plate. I do not think properly notched fan braces are weakened by the plate.
I use a bridge plate.
I think the bridge plate is more about strengthening the area where the bridge is glued to. I do not think it maters sound wise. I use a plate on the sound board where the fret board extension is as well to help avoid cracks along the fret board.