Bracing the Back

A cross-grained strip of mahogany is traditionally glued on the underside of the back to reinforce the joint.
The reinforcing strip is then notched to make room for the back braces.
The back braces are shaped so that the back will be arched when completed. Back braces are typically mahogany when rosewood is used for the back.
Again, note how the back is arched and doesn't lie flat on the support board. Typically, the back has a more pronounced arch than the top.
© Copyright, Shel Sax, July 2001. No reproduction without authorization.
Photographs by Howard Rossman