Can I salvage this Pre-braced Top?

[Cbstark46143]

I have a pre-braced top that has been in the closet for several years. Now that I have decided to use it, I find that it has a 1/8 inch concavity across the lower bout. I expected to find a convex curve.

Can this top be saved as is or do I need to trash the braces to salvage the top?

Hello CB and welcome to the KGF.
Although photos are not a requirement, you're likely to
get more response if you include one.
-tommy

[MaineGeezer]

It sounds to me as though you'll have to remove the braces because they are warped , and even if you could straighten them out IMO they would always be suspect.

But pictures would indeed help....

[Cbstark46143]

I am including photos of the top

[tippie53]

you top is supposed to have that but you are looking at it upside down look at it from the top outside you want a doming in the top.
so you appear to be perfect.

[Cbstark46143]

Obviously it isn't clear from my camera angle, but the shot with the yellow straight edge was taken from the top outside.
That being the case, from your comment, my top is the opposite of perfect.
I will have to bite the bullet and rebrace the top

[tippie53]

Maybe maybe not
what was the Rh when you glued it up and what is it where it was stored? It may come around. As of now it is in free state , lay the cup side down and see if you just had one face get wetter or dryer than the other.

It may adjust back