Ovation Top Arching?

seesquare Posted 2003-12-01 2:33 PM (#200262) Subject: Ovation Top Arching? Joined: November 2002 Posts: 3603 Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire In my Phoenix project, I am about to install the braces (A-pattern), on my first top replacement. Are the tops arched at the factory? I have read this is a good practice, in controlling distortion due to humidity and constant tension on the bridge. I understand, and appeciate the need for, the brace under the fretboard extension being dead flat. I don't recall seeing anything in the discussion boards on this top-arching issue. Thanks for any input, especially if I'm being a bit obsessive-compulsive on repair of what will be, essentially, a "beater". I await your collective wisdom, Chris seesquare Posted 2003-12-03 2:29 PM (#200263 - in reply to #200262) Subject: Re: Ovation Top Arching? Joined: November 2002 Posts: 3603 Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire FYI- John Budny at Ovation says there is a slight arching in the top: "We do build a slight arch in the tops when they are braced. It does help them hold up. In your case I wouldn't worry too much about it unless you can come up with an easy way to install the arch." As for my "project", I think he is being very kind & diplomatic. Those guys are the best! Fun & Follies, Chris