Which Braces to Contour

[Meng1988]

Hello all,

I am looking into my first build at the moment, and doing lots of research before I start. I have decided on an LMI kit, and I have a question about bracing. I will be purchasing their pre-shaped braces, but these are not contoured. So the question: when bracing the front, which braces should be contoured, and which should not? For example, I know the X-Braces are contoured, but the shoulder brace is not.

[Ben-Had]

The only braces I don't usually touch are the:

1. Top plate
2. Soundhole strips and
3. Bridge plate

All the others have some type of work to be done. But that's just my way.

[Darryl Young]

Very informative post RD, thanks.