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Trade Secrets: A new approach to bracing flat-back instruments

2025-01-10T06:15:00

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This system of ‘responsive bracing’ allows for the natural movement of the wood

Double basses and violas da gamba often have flat backs, traditionally reinforced with transverse ‘ladder’ braces for rigidity and to support the soundpost pressure. However, variations in humidity from travel, heating and air conditioning can cause the wood to shrink or swell significantly – up to a centimetre or more across a 600mm-wide back…

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