tenor shapes & bracings

[Bob Hammond]

Hi,

I have in mind to make a 4(-5?) string tenor guitar, using some scavenged redwood for the top. The redwood is solid and aged, and was resawn from 2x6 lumber about 8-10 years ago, after ~25yr outside in Michigan weather (obviously a non-native species). I suppose that it would be possible to glue up a four piece top, but I don't want to do that. I imagine that the lower bout could be about 10-3/4" max.

Do you have suggestions as to shapes and bracings?

[Clay Schaeffer]

Hi Bob,
You might be able to adapt a baritone uke plan by making it slightly larger than typical. I've used the LG3/4 size for tenors, but the lower bout is wider than what you are looking for. I would go with the X type bracing scheme used on the tops of some parlor guitars.

[Michael Lewis]

And what is wrong with gluing up a multi piece top? Even the factories do it when they add 'wings' to the outside edges to get the width needed.

[Bob Hammond]

Clay, I poked around between the joists, and found Julian Barton's plans tucked away. I'm studying them now.

As for glueups. I've done it before. The grain is tight & uniform, so it would probably be possible to get a good match on the wings. Hmm, I'll have think again about which piece goes where, so that chatoyancy is uniform.

[Joe Williams]

Here's a mandolin with a 10 piece top, made from the yellow pine in the window frames in my son's old house. 1 year old now and doing fine. Also, a tenor, 12 in. lower bout, just finished that I can't put down. Both X braced.

[Randy Roberts]

Bob,

If you go wings, I believe its Left cut out to right side, flat side to flat side, then flip it longitudinally to get your run out going the correct direction.

But then I've not had my coffee yet this morning...

[Bob Hammond]

Joe, they're great. 10 piece top?- that's an adventure, and the tenor's got loads of style. I think tenors are fun, and are probably a good lead instrument. Also, I have in mind those folks who might more than a uke, but not a six-stringer guitar.

[Bob Hammond]

Here's a reminder to check the library first, and a TNX to Steve Senseney for his Terz & Parlor guitar plans that are adaptable to my needs. I also found tenor plans by Scott Antes at Elderly Instruments.