X-bracing?

36012 · Post by **36012** » Sat May 07, 2005 6:26 am

I know that the subject has been covered,but I have been researching the early capris and have seen several without x-bracing.Maybe its a different type of bracing that can't be seen?Is there a transition point?Maybe someone can clue me in to what time frame it was used.Any input would be helpful.

BobKat · Post by **BobKat** » Mon May 09, 2005 3:43 am

Describe what you've seen. How did you inspect these guitars? What years?

36012 · Post by **36012** » Tue May 10, 2005 6:05 pm

I'm mainly inquiring about the very early capri's.I was inspecting a picture of one of John Williams 58 capris that had a good shot of the control cavity showing the tailpiece block.In this picture,there doesn't seem to be any "x" type bracing.I was curious if they were using different bracing techniques?Or if they just didn't even use it?

BobKat · Post by **BobKat** » Fri May 13, 2005 8:18 pm

Can't imagine they used nothing. C'mon Capri oweners, let's see your guts!

36012 · Post by **36012** » Sat May 14, 2005 6:30 pm

The c58s are the most accurate reissues of a guitar of that era,and they have 3/8" alder top with no bracing.Maybe the thicker top was to add support.This being a smaller guitar,warping tops might have not been an issue.I am just curious if they were testing different bracing methods to find the best way.If this is the case,then some of the capris from then might vary in sound due to different techniques used at the factory.I would be very interested to know what capri owners had to say concerning this.
It is interesting to research the differences that have occured in design of these guitars over the years which have changed the sound of such cool instruments over the years.

chefothefuture · Post by **chefothefuture** » Fri Nov 04, 2005 10:51 pm

The Capris had varying forms of bracing. One made right after another would have different bracing. Several of mine have a huge transverse brace that is visable through
the soundhole(easier seen on ones with the long hole...)
I had a 59 365 that only had length braces. Don't hold me to this, but I think the X brace might not have come to use until 61- but I could be wrong.....
A bigger issue in tone was due the wood- many built prior
to 60 were alder or spruce(I think). And the earlier ones had
thinner backs as well.

dale_fortune · Post by **dale_fortune** » Sat Nov 05, 2005 6:37 am

I've not seen any 325 types with X braces, but all the larger 360 type models used Maple X braces that ran from the horns to the rear butt area. In the early 70's when I worked at Rick we still used Maple X braces that were notched in the middle. These were glued in right before the back was glued on.

36012 · Post by **36012** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 7:46 pm

I have seen the transverse brace on early capris and even on a 83 320 that I sold a couple of months back.I was curious if this was a bracing technique only used on 320s from the 80s?
John,I think that your theory is a sound on,and I would be interested to hear what other vintage collectors say.I have noticed that all of the alder ricks I have seen have 3/8" tops which might have an effect on bracing.