Three piece live back

[Dave M]

I am about to start a medium body falcate braced steel string. Given the timber I want to use it will be a three piece back.

I wonder if that has implications for the live back design by Trevor with it's two joint reinforcement strips?

Dave

[Trevor Gore]

I doubt it, Dave. I've never done a three piece back, but have done a few four piece backs. I only put reinforcement down the centre strip, through. None of these guitars has shown any issues due to the uncovered joints. The uncovered joints didn't have any inlay in them. I think this is pretty convincing evidence that a well-made, full thickness joint doesn't need any reinforcement.