When building a guitar, ukulele, or other stringed instrument, precision is paramount. A crucial part of the construction are the serrated strips , also known as kerfed lining . These thin, flexible strips of wood create a solid connection between the top and back of the soundboard and the sides, without interfering with the instrument's natural resonance.
What is kerfed lining and why is it important?
Kerfed linings are narrow strips of wood with evenly spaced kerfs. These kerfs allow the wood to be bent so that it perfectly follows the curves of the soundboard. At the same time, the strips maintain sufficient strength to properly support the top (soundboard) and back of the instrument.
In instrument making this technique is crucial:
- They strengthen the connection between top/back and sides
- They increase the adhesive surface
- They contribute to a more stable construction without disturbing the sound
Application of sawn strips in string instruments
Whether you're building a classical guitar, a steel-string guitar, a mandolin, or a ukulele, sawn strips are essential for a durable and rich sounding body. They're usually glued to the inside of the body, both top and bottom, and follow the curved shape of the sides precisely.
Popular wood types for kerfed lining include:
- Mahogany
- Basswood (linden)
- Cedar
These types of wood combine flexibility with good acoustic properties.
The benefits of kerfed lining for instrument makers
Instrument makers choose kerfed lining because of the combination of:
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Precision : Perfect fit along curved edges
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Stability : Strengthens the structure without adding excess weight
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Acoustic value : No loss of sound quality
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Time saving : Easy to bend and glue, even with small radii.
Thanks to the clever design, the strips can be installed with minimal effort, even on smaller instruments such as sopranino ukuleles.
