Re: Belly bulge on F-5 top
Originally Posted by
NRMiller1958
Good guess. There is a hairline separation (maybe just the finish at this point?) That obviously concerns me more than the bulge.
This was built using Simminof specs. In more recent builds I've followed Adrian's Loar sketches and increased the top thickness just forward of the tailpiece. I agree they're stronger, though frankly I'm still trying to match the tone of this one.
I had this exact same experience, but mine lasted only 3 years before cracking on the center seam. The crack was about wide enough to get your fingernail into. After one failed attempt to compress the crack together and glue with titebond (it failed again as soon as I restrung it), I used 5 minute epoxy, and did not try to press the crack closed. that has held up for 4 years now, and I gig a few times per month with it. I’d carefully sanded the epoxy almost level and it blended pretty well- doesn’t stand out beneath the strings.
One thing about thinly carved tops is that they sound awesome.
"If you hit a wrong note, then make it right by what you play afterwards." - Joe Pass
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