My first soundboard pretty much finished I think. Just got to cut the channels into the sides/kerfing and it can be glued on. Having cut a couple of channels by hand I think I might make a jig for the rest of them! The plans I am working to (not Mark’s, I had already downloaded these before finding Mark’s course) show two additional soundhole braces in some photos and the round reinforcement in others. Given that the rosette inlay machining only leaves about 0.8mm of soundboard I have gone for the full round reinforcement. Interested to hear any opinions on the pros and cons of both options.

Is there a guide to the ideal weight for a soundboard complete with all its braces? Clearly this would vary a little with different woods and more with different sizes but is there an accepted formula? eg weight of braces = 80% weight of soundboard. Has anybody weighed their soundboards before and after bracing?

Posted by: darrenking

Is there a guide to the ideal weight for a soundboard complete with all its braces? Clearly this would vary a little with different woods and more with different sizes but is there an accepted formula? eg weight of braces = 80% weight of soundboard. Has anybody weighed their soundboards before and after bracing?

Not to my knowledge Darren.

I think 'stiffness' is a better way to measure i.e. top deflection method

Thanks Mark, I shall check it out

Darren

Good morning,

I have a cedar soundboard which is noticeably more flexible with the grain (side to side) than the spruce ones. Is this just typical of cedar or should I avoid using it?

It is normal - To compensate Cedar is normally left a little thicker (=> 3mm is not unusual)