Amazing! I have a 1929s/ 1930s Oahu o-18 parlor size and people tell me since it was played as a steel lap I should not waste my effort on restoring it to play as a standard 6 string.
The Spruce topped ones are definitely worth it, in my opinion. This one was a Birch topped one, and with the right bracing and neck reset, they sound decent, but the Spruce ones are even better. The problem is, to pay a real luthier to do the work probably costs more than the guitar will ever be worth, unless it has some strong sentimental value for you. I, however, am not a real "luthier", lol. I’m just a hobby guy and I love doing this to worthy, homeless guitars 😉
I agree. I have an old Washburn "New Model 1897" 111 that is ladder braced. One of my favorite couch pickers, and my Gibson built ‘38 Recording King is the best sounding little Blues player I’ve got. The X bracing just allows a little heavier gauge steel strings, and gives a little different, somewhat deeper voice to some of these budget level Birch topped guitars. IMO
I don't understand why people keep switching the ladder bracing for x-bracing. The ladder bracing is what makes these guitars cool. X bracing isn't superior on a small bodied guitar because the sound board is small enough that there isn't any need for the extra strength of having x-braced. I like the sound of a ladder braced acoustic. Which sounds better is a matter of opinion, but x bracing is definitely not necessary or particularly more durable on a parlor guitar.
Oops sorry, didn't realize I had already commented on this. I just saw the title. That is true about the thicker guage strings so I can see a reason for doing it for that.
Amazing! I have a 1929s/ 1930s Oahu o-18 parlor size and people tell me since it was played as a steel lap I should not waste my effort on restoring it to play as a standard 6 string.
Mine is a spruce top birch sides and back. In excellent condition on outside, but angle is too high to play, 5.29 mm off the 12th fret.
The Spruce topped ones are definitely worth it, in my opinion. This one was a Birch topped one, and with the right bracing and neck reset, they sound decent, but the Spruce ones are even better.
The problem is, to pay a real luthier to do the work probably costs more than the guitar will ever be worth, unless it has some strong sentimental value for you.
I, however, am not a real "luthier", lol. I’m just a hobby guy and I love doing this to worthy, homeless guitars 😉
sounds great by change from ladder braced to x bracing? ladder bracing is not inferior on small bodied guitars
I agree. I have an old Washburn "New Model 1897" 111 that is ladder braced. One of my favorite couch pickers, and my Gibson built ‘38 Recording King is the best sounding little Blues player I’ve got. The X bracing just allows a little heavier gauge steel strings, and gives a little different, somewhat deeper voice to some of these budget level Birch topped guitars. IMO
How far x brace from hole? Sweet btw
What is the spacing on the nut, about 1.8”?
The total nut width was probably around that,like 1.75”. The e to e spacing was probably 1.5”. I can’t remember. And that one is long gone. Sold
I don't understand why people keep switching the ladder bracing for x-bracing. The ladder bracing is what makes these guitars cool. X bracing isn't superior on a small bodied guitar because the sound board is small enough that there isn't any need for the extra strength of having x-braced. I like the sound of a ladder braced acoustic. Which sounds better is a matter of opinion, but x bracing is definitely not necessary or particularly more durable on a parlor guitar.
Oops sorry, didn't realize I had already commented on this. I just saw the title. That is true about the thicker guage strings so I can see a reason for doing it for that.