Marshwood Acoustic, Chapter 3, The Top

The x-brace provides some of the main strength for the top of the steel string. Two pieces of quarter sawn spruce are joined together to form the X. These pieces were sanded on a radius dish prior to joining. The photos show before and after sequences:
1st-The layout of the braces. 2nd - Notching where the other brace will connect. 3rd - Inspecting the joint. 4th - Clamping and gluing the x-brace to the top. More braces will be added to the guitar's top. This bracework will be a large contributer to the voice of this instrument.