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Hello,

I’m looking to x-brace a tenor uke. This is what I have in mind. It’s just laid out a quick test, not the final layout but just to begin to get an idea.

Any thoughts on the bracing? I’m just looking at width at the moment, not height. I could lose the finger braces maybe?



Brad


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My thought is peak everywhere as usual and taper all braces. The lower X legs, the finger braces and the tonebar taper to zero. The upper X legs get tucked. Scallop the upper transverse.

Brad


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I use a bracing pattern very similar, on my Tiples.

I guess you’re stringing with steel?

In a conversation with Les Nunes about 20 years ago (I think it was him), Martin’s first ukulele was X-braced, like their guitars. Didn’t work for them - guess who’s bracing pattern they ended up with. Like I said, 20 years ago, but the names match with the conversation.

Thanks, Aaron.

I was not planning on steel string but perhaps I’ll have to do that to effectively drive a top that’s x-braced?

The top for this is ziricote and it’s going to have to get really thin in order to work and I was thinking the x helps here compared to the fan braces given how prevalent ziricote is to cracking.

Maybe that’s not the case, what is your thought?


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You’re using a very hardwood hardtop, then you’re planning on bracing it with a pattern that could effectively kill the top (with nylon strings). Of course, thinning the top too much could kill it too.

My thought is that if I had to do it for a customer, I wouldn’t. But, I’d do it for myself, just to test, and see if its something I’d do. I know some guys doing a modified Taylor style V with success, but not without testing first.

Note: My first Tiple for a customer was #2, because #1 was my prototype. I was conservative with the bracing and break angle (heavy, and low), but with 10-strings and Spruce top, it came out good.

Been doing X bracing for past 40+ ukuleles....no finger braces....I taper and tuck X's, thin the rim after box closed.....don't overbrace!!!!! good luck!

Awesome. Thanks! Do you add a tonebar?


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On an 8 string yes.....otherwise no.......

Thanks, Doug!

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I have used a very similar pattern minus the finger braces for a couple of baritone ukes strung with steel strings. I used 1/4inch x 11/32 height for the x and tone bar. They were tapered towards the rims. I have never tried nylon strings with this layout but if lightened up sufficiently should be fine.

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I haven’t closed the box yet, here is where I am on the bracing for the top. I feel like the X is still too high but when tapping it rings pretty well.

For those that have done an X on a uke, care to share or comment on the brace height?

Any feedback is appreciated.



Thanks!
Brad


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X looks fine.....bottom brace could be 'tone killer'.........good luck.....

Thanks.

I decided to keep going and take the X lower and the tonebar lower. It’s now ringing the way I would expect so I closed the box.





Thanks for all the feedback everyone!

Brad


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