6
6
5)
Cut the stretcher almost all the way through, put a shim in the kerf cut
and re-tape it back together using blue tape. This is done so that once
the top is glued on, the tape can be removed and the stretcher can be
broken and removed through the sound hole. Otherwise, the stretcher
could become lodged and difficult to remove.
6)
Slowly and gently spread the sides to install the stretcher below where
the top will install by approximately 1”. If it sits to close to the top,
the stretcher will interfere with the braces of the top.
7)
Sight down the sides of the guitar to ensure the
sides do not appear to be bowed inward. You
should be dead on. If not, modify the length of the
stretcher either longer or shorter to correct any bow
in of the sides.
8)
Once the stretcher is in place and the sides are
“true”, leave it in place during the entire process all
the way through the glue up of the top.
9)
Mark the centerline of the top with a pencil on both
the top and back side of the top for easy
identification through the following steps.
10)
Place the top face down with the braces
facing up.
11)
Place the soundbox centered over the top
with the top (“shoulder”) brace contacting the neck
plate initially and then pulling back slightly (1/16”) so there is no
contact that could potentially cause a “rattle”.
12)
Being careful not to move either the top or the body, mark the
bracing where it will touch the lining by running a pencil flush with
the outside of the sides. Be sure not to move, bend or distort the
soundbox while marking.
