Kasha/Schneider Fan Bracing Diagram
Source: Guitar Plans

The Post Modern Classical Guitar – The Kasha/Schneider Bracing:

So for a long time many luthiers stagnated on one of the variations of bracing that existed. Sure they experimented, but usually this meant moving the fan bracing around or trying different patterns based on discoveries of Torres, Ramirez, Bouchet and any number of others.

Dr Kasha came on the scene in the 1970′s. He was the Director of the Institute of Molecular Biophysics at Florida State University. He teamed up with luthier Richard Schneider and produced a series of guitars with revolutionary bracing, neck design, bridge design and other body features that reflected what the scientific community could offer.

The teams claim was that they could now fine tune a guitar to any guitar players requirements for tone and volume by varying the top thickness and the strutting system.

While their guitars are VERY loud, there is a lot of controversy as to whether there is enough sweetness retained to satisfy the most discriminating listener or the performer.

Dr. Kasha and Richard Schneider extended their experimentation into the steel string market, by partnering with The Gibson Guitar Co. They produced at least one model acoustic guitar, but it never really caught on. There was a lot of buzz in the music community, but guitarists’ were reluctant to give up their vintage Martins and Gibsons for a loud and harsh-sounding steel string guitar.

The most notable changes in Kasha/Schneider designs are:

Kasha Fan Bracing: At first glance, you would swear that someone took a handful of braces, threw them on the top and glued them in place where they landed. There is reason behind this very unique bracing method and it all lies in the physics that Dr. Kasha used in the design of his guitars. I built a few of these and I must say that I really like them. I tent to lean toward a very loud classical similar to my Ramirez though. I still like the sweet tone of the Ramirez over the harshness of the Kasha – just a personal preference.

Change Back Bracing: The next step in the Kasha evolution was to analyze the back bracing and have it interact with the redesigned top bracing. You will see this design on some, but not all Kasha-designed guitars. He also played around with having arch-shaped openings in the bracing to allow the top and back plates to vibrate more freely.

Top Thickness: There was a lot of experimentation done with varying top thicknesses.

Bridge Configuration: Even the bridge configuration was examined and reworked. You will see this an almost all of the Kasha inspired Guitars.

This bracing configuration is for experienced luthiers only – or if you are up for a challenge.

While we don’t address the X-bracing of the back bracing, the top bracing will keep you working for days.

Ultimate Guitar OnLine has a great detailed Classical Guitar Plan, using the Kasha/Schneider fan brace system. Be sure to check out our Guitar Building Plans

Classical Guitar Building Plans You May Be Interested In:
Torres Classical Guitar Plans
Ramirez Classical Guitar Plans
Kasha Classical Guitar Plans
Bouchet Classical Guitar Plans

Tags: guitar building, guitar making, ramirez guitars, torres fan bracing

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