J-185 Top Brace Specs

[Dan Bombliss]

Hey there, a while back I had started a couple J185's that have been long on the backburner due to other instruments. Anyhow, I had bought blueprints specifically for brace dimensions and turns out the prints that come with LMI's plans are bogus. I ran into the issue with the backs, if anyone remembers, where the braces were 3/4"x 3/4" and of course as soon as I glued them they looked a bit funny, and of course, everyone else had recommended different specs for the back.

I learned the hardway not to buy blueprints for brace specs, and since I hadn't done the tops yet, I was looking to get some input for dimensions to consider for those. I have some dread plans to compare with, and I haven't looked up the numbers for the J185 plans just yet, so if someone could give me some to reference with to gauge if I think these plans are a good starting point, that'd be great.

Include the widths for each of the braces, with the top peak if you could. I just need to ball park it, widths more important as these are all going to be hand voiced, and I figure out the peaks and scallops afterwards if need be.

Thanks,
Dan

[tippie53]

I have seen a few J 185 and the major difference I see is the brace was higher than martin and more triangular . The finger braces were also higher. In all cases the inside gibson is that the workman ship inside was a lower quality. I will see if I can get more info.

[Ben-Had]

I have seen a few J 185 and the major difference I see is the brace was higher than martin and more triangular . The finger braces were also higher. In all cases the inside gibson is that the workman ship inside was a lower quality. I will see if I can get more info.

I agree as a long time Gibson fan, I was disappointed with that aspect after I learned a good bit about building and started taking a closer look. Would still love to build one myself though.

[Dan Bombliss]

So should I just use brace dimension of a martin dread then? I don't want to make them too wide. I'll most likely shape them like a Martin, and when they are voiced, the peaks will be adjusted for them to feel how I'd like.

[tippie53]

should be good. Most of the Gibson braces are more triangular and about 1/16 taller. The brace pattern is similar but the bridge plate is different. More up into the X brace joint . The finger braces are higher. There really is little in finesse and workman ship in a Gibson. The top is also dead flat.

[hummingbird]

I have a j-185 plan and an OLF MJ plan and I'm pretty sure all the braces are al 1/4 ".

[Dan Bombliss]

I'll just go with what feels right then. Anything "Gibson" doesn't sound promising.

thanks fellas.

-Dan

[tippie53]

Hey Dan
Keep us posted with plenty of pics and details. We can all learn something from your discoveries .
In all my years of working on these I am surprised at the inside of the box. I have a 53s J45 that sounds great but inside the box , the workmanship is average . Still it does sound great.