Center seam separation in thicknessed Western Red Cedar Top
Posted: Wed Jun 12, 2019 7:50 pm
Good afternoon, everyone!
I need some advice on whether to go forward with the WRC top I have (almost) thicknessed, or whether I should play it safe and order, joint, and thickness another.
For one reason or another, I haven't had time to get back to my first guitar in the last month or so, since getting the plates jointed and close to final thickness. When I looked at the top today, I found there is some seam separation along the last 2 1/8" of the upper bout. In most of the space, the Tightbond I is still bridging the gap, but at two pinprick-size points within the outline it's just air. Since all this will be under the fretboard, is this a structural issue?
Also, when I test-tap letting it hang by thumb and forefinger, I can hear a very slight rattle from that area. The noise doesn't occur when I hold the top by the edges with hand and shoulder*. Perhaps this will go away when I trim off the 1/2" of waste, where separation is worst. Do you think that likely?
Many thanks,
~Kristoffer *Note on thickness: I have the top at to about 9/64ths currently - The Cumpiano Book, which I am following, calls for 7/64ths if using spruce. I'm thinking I should go to an even 1/8th with the weaker cedar. Does this sound prudent?
*The main tap tone is different here too: Holding the edges seems to ring an octave higher than letting it hang.
I need some advice on whether to go forward with the WRC top I have (almost) thicknessed, or whether I should play it safe and order, joint, and thickness another.
For one reason or another, I haven't had time to get back to my first guitar in the last month or so, since getting the plates jointed and close to final thickness. When I looked at the top today, I found there is some seam separation along the last 2 1/8" of the upper bout. In most of the space, the Tightbond I is still bridging the gap, but at two pinprick-size points within the outline it's just air. Since all this will be under the fretboard, is this a structural issue?
Also, when I test-tap letting it hang by thumb and forefinger, I can hear a very slight rattle from that area. The noise doesn't occur when I hold the top by the edges with hand and shoulder*. Perhaps this will go away when I trim off the 1/2" of waste, where separation is worst. Do you think that likely?
Many thanks,
~Kristoffer *Note on thickness: I have the top at to about 9/64ths currently - The Cumpiano Book, which I am following, calls for 7/64ths if using spruce. I'm thinking I should go to an even 1/8th with the weaker cedar. Does this sound prudent?
*The main tap tone is different here too: Holding the edges seems to ring an octave higher than letting it hang.