Hello Cafe,
I'm working on an F5 build using the Siminoff instructional book as a rough guide. I'm currently at the point where I've shaped and rough sanded the top side of the top plate and now currently carving the inside of the top plate.
I'm wondering if anyone can offer advice on knowing when to stop carving the inside of the top plate. I've reached a point where according to my ears I've reached a rather resonant E5 (E above A 440hz) via holding the edge of the plate that will reside under the fretboard extension freely in the air and tapping the center of the top with my knuckle. However this is roughly 25% thicker than the Siminoff graduations (if anyone has that as a reference). I know I'd like to leave some extra thickness to accommodate the finish sanding process once the body is assembled, but looking for recommendations from folks if they use a target thickness, a certain fundamental tone, a certain amount of flex, or some combination of all three, to judge when to stop carving/ graduating the inside of the top plate prior to cutting out the F-holes and installing the tone bars.
I recognize there might be a wide variety of philosophies regarding this topic, but happy to hear all suggestions and approaches. No bad suggestions!...unless you recommend giving up, I've come too far for that
Thanks!
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