Install Bracing

The bracing for the tenor ukulele was glued to the back of the sound board after the top was attached making it difficult to scallop the braces properly.  The braces on the tenor are red cedar and engelman spruce on the baritone.  The brace pattern on the tenor is different from the traditional Martin fan pattern.  The two longitudinal braces extend into the upper bout by notching the two transverse braces.  The transverse braces are slightly thicker and holes are drilled to lighten the bulk.  I am curious to hear any sound quality differences with this design.

The baritone uses the traditional Martin fan bracing.  Braces on the baritone were glued and scalloped before the top was attached to the sides.  Scalloping and sanding was much easier before the sound board is attached.  I used my new Ibex thumb plane to shape the braces.  I love it.  It's about an 1-1/2" long, smooth and easy to use.