back bracing question

[smg_luthier]

hey B,
i've had an idea for some time, but never got a chance to try it out.
i just drew up a quick sketch, but i can't figure out how to get it up. (maybe viagra?)

if you send me an e-mail, i'll send you the sketch, and a pic or two of my prototype electric upright, just to prove that i'm not all that crazy.. (or maybe, only serve to confirm... nevermind...)
you can run the sketch by your luthier.
i hold no patents, it won't cost you a penny. just trying to help..
sg914gt@comcast.net
smg.

[JKoehler]

I wanted to address the idea of "sacrificial" wood whenever a top is removed. The idea that someone would not put the splinters back in place, especially on an older instrument, is irresponsible and plain lazy. For the last 2 months I`ve been working on a 200 year old cello where the glueing surface on the top was a mush of hide glue and wood pulp. Under that was an uneven surface with much of the original spruce missing. I`m in the process of doubling the glueing surface with new spruce, and shorting the lower ribs. Now, I also realize how long and tiring it is to replace all those tiny little splinters, more so when they are soaked in hide glue and stick to everything but where you want it to, but this is the reason there are 300+ year old instruments still being used today. Preservation of all wood instuments new or old is a job I take very seriously, and it bugs me when I hear fellow luthiers talk that way. Anyway, I had to get that off my chest, sorry about the hijack. Carry on....

[Matthew Tucker]

it bugs me when I hear fellow luthiers talk that way

Mate I'm glad you got that off your chest but i don't think anyone here was suggesting anything other than what you have described? Or did I miss something?

As you well know, it is not always possible to glue back every splinter, and sometimes it is better to double the edging with new wood, especially if the wood is in bad nick.

Ken was just referring to the fact that when you remove a top there's always the possibility that some of the original wood may be unusable.