Go-bar deck

Bracing the soundboard—This fixture is called a go-bar deck (I can't explain the name). My go-bars are made from red oak although fiberglass is more common. They act like springs clamps that hold the braces to the soundboard until the glue dries. It is pretty easy to vary their pressure by how much you bend them.

I'm not sure that it is the most efficient way, but I glue the braces in three stages. This allows me to shape most of the braces before other braces get in the way.

The soundboard is resting in the curved workboard that gives it a permanent arch across the grain. Although I could use straight braces bent to shape, I cut the shape of the arch into the braces before gluing. This results in a nearly stress-free soundboard.