Braces through the body?

[rbab8367]

Hi,
It seems that having the braces go through the body is a standard procedure.
What I don't know is why? Is it a tone thing or structural? Is it necessary?
Thanks for any explanation.
Rbab8367

[tippie53]

I personally won't do it that way for 2 reasons.
1 If you have a brace end too thick you'll have a hard time hiding it with the binding if you make a mistake.
2 You can create a stress riser that may add to a side crack.

CF Martin and most production companies don't do this. You only need to notch the kerfed lining. I prefer to keep the sides intact .

I know many do it by cutting through the sides but beware of what can go wrong. You want to make those notches and joint as close perfect as you can.

[rbab8367]

Thanks for the reply but I have to ask. Why not end the braces at the kerfing and not cut them at all?

[tippie53]

You can do that but be sure to fade the ends so you don't have a step . Notching the braces to the kerfed lining helps to keep the top and back aligned when you glue things up.

[rbab8367]

Thanks again, that alone is a good reason. I know how things move around when glueing, yes from a bad experience.