View Full Version : Top bracing a Gibson EM150
Pablo Bosticio
Nov-21-2019, 12:14am
I just purchased a really clean EM150. When I tuned it to pitch the top deflects a lot under the low side of the bridge. With the bridge raised all the way up I still can’t get enough string clearance above the frets. Is there a method for adding a brace under the top to prevent some of the deflection? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Pablo
It sounds like the brace that should be there has come unglued on the bass side.
j. condino
Nov-21-2019, 11:52am
Did you get the pinstriped tweed case with your em 150???????
Pablo Bosticio
Nov-21-2019, 12:30pm
No I did not get a pin stripped case. It came with a brown clapboard case with clothe binding.
Pablo Bosticio
Nov-21-2019, 2:25pm
I have carefully examined the top bracing, which consisted of two tapered wooden pieces, each about 5/16 wide x 3/8th high at the center. It appears that when the top was cut for installation of the pickup that 2/3’s of the side of the brace was removed to fit the pickup. It makes sense that is the root of the deflection problem as the remaining wood is only 1/8th wide x 3/8th high. My thoughts are to pull the pickup and add a additional brace on the f hole side of the existing brace. Is this a reasonable way to fix my problem?
Sounds good to me. Make sure your new brace fits well before gluing.
Pablo Bosticio
Nov-21-2019, 4:57pm
Thanks Pops! Should I use glue between the old brace and new brace only, so the top floats over the new brace? Or should I glue both surfaces, the old brace and the top?
Definitely glue the brace to the top. Gluing to the other brace if it is straight will strengthen the brace, but gluing to the top too will give you more strength.