Questions about my LMI kit

[tippie53]

The earliest example of an X braced guitar from CF Martin is 1844. The X braces was used prior to the steel string era. Contrary to popular belief there is no big difference in the braces between gut and steel era.
Things that changed during this time
1 bridge plates got larger
2 X brace angle changed
3 the bridge went to the belly style

I personally own a Martin 0-27 from 1857

that is the oldest one in my collection.

The oldest one I have handled is from 1835
this think is light as a feather.

[johnnparchem]

I built two of my 0s to that plan lmi sells. I love the size and the sound. I blogged at least one of them in depth on this forum.

[RobRus]

@ John,It sound like you are very familiar with vintage Martins. I didn't know that they had X bracing that early. So... are the 15' and 28' radius dish the ones I need for this body?
johnnparchem, I will have to look up that post and check it out. Thanks for letting me know, I am sure it will help.
Cheers,
Bob

[ruby@magpage.com]

I just read about a new book in the past week about early Martins and the evolution of structure. The description/ summary said that most all of the innovations that resulted in modern bracing and building practices occurred in about a 20 year span before the Civil War. I meant to write down the title and I would like to read the book - anyone else hear of this?

Ed Minch

[tippie53]

I am lucky in that I live near Martin and I have the opportunity to get to examine the guitars first hand and get accurate information from the repair department. One of the advantages of being a repair center.
I agree that CF Martin did figure out the details of the X brace a lot earlier than first thought of. Martin acquired the earliest example known to date of an X braced guitar and it was dated 1844. That supports the pre 20 yr of the civil war theory.
the 28 and 15 would work , this is what I use for all my guitars.

[RobRus]

Thanks John,
I will be ordering those dishes this week from you. I am excited to be getting started on this guitar. I may have some other questions as I progress but for now I think I understand most of what I need to do to get started.
Bob