The braces are glued to the underside of the top.  Glue in the top seam reinforcement (a thin strip of bracing wood with grain running perpendicular to the grain of the top).  Glue in the soundhole reinforcement plate.  Some makers install the plate so that the grain runs parallel to the grain of the top, however, I install the plate like classical guitar makers, with the grain running perpendicular to the top.  This provides better strength with a thinner plate.  Taper the edges of the plate so that they blend into the top.

Glue the ladder braces in place with hot hide glue.

Cut out the soundhole with a deep throat coping saw and bevel the inside edge of the soundhole and reinforcement plate.  

Carve the braces into a tall elliptical shape and taper the ends.  The braces can then be tuned.  Sand the braces.  The top is then set aside in a safe place where the soft wood will not be scratched or marred.

Tags: Greek bouzouki construction

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