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Just Started my first build (HD28). I have seen two different methods for bracing the back, installing the centerstrip brace first, then notching the cross braces to fit over the center brace, the other method of course is to glue the cross braces first, then cut the center brace into pieces to fit between the cross braces. The latter seems like it would be easier but notching the cross braces over a one-piece center strip would seem to be better structurally. Which method do some of you guys use? What are the advantages/disadvantages of each?

Thanks,
David L

I suggest apply the center first. You want that to be in a straight line. Then when you cut for the braces you can use razor blades as chisels . Also you can shape the center strip this way placing after you can't and the center strip won't have a finished look.

Ditto -- John

Done something like this:

http://www.kennethmichaelguitars.com/ki ... embly.html

Hi David,
Welcome to the forum.
If I'm reading you correctly;
you don't want to notch the braces to fit over the center strip, you want to cut away, or notch the center strip where the braces will be glued and fit them into these "notches"

Kevin.

Notch the strip for the braces

It seems to me that somewhere in one of the gazillion videos I've watched that they installed the cross braces first and then cut the center strips to fit in between the cross braces. In another video I think I saw them glue the center strip first and instead of chiselling out the center strip to allow for cross brace insrallation they notched the bottom of the cross bracesto fit over the center strip. From the responses that I'm getting, I am going to do it the way ya'll recommend and that's cool, I was just wondering why it wouldn't be better "structurally" to leave the center piece whole and notch the cross pieces over the center. Sorry guys, I'm like a little five-year old, I always got to know why, why, why...

Thanks,
David L

I have seen notched braces loosen . Getting the center cross grain support allows you to shape the support for a more finished appearance . Notching isn't that difficult .