535 Centre Block

[H535UK]

Hello fellow 535 players. Just out of curiosity: Has anyone else noticed on his guitar that the maple centre block was not a single piece of maple, but a "sandwich" of 2 planks glued together?

Looking through the upper f hole I noticed a line going all along the block and on closer inspection it definitely is a joint/seam.

I know this doesn't affect tone or anything. I just wonder if all 535s are built that way.

Thanks and keep playing these wonderful instruments!

[mars_hall]

There are pics from PSP 5 or so in the gallery showing construction

[mars_hall]

http://www.heritageownersclub.com/forums/uploads/gallery/album_351/gallery_139_351_99362.jpg

[tbonesullivan]

THere is "kerfing" used on the top and bottom of the center block to connect it solidly to the top and bottom. I believe this is glued to the tops and bottoms first. So each center block is usually more like 3 pieces of wood.

[H535UK]

THere is "kerfing" used on the top and bottom of the center block to connect it solidly to the top and bottom. I believe this is glued to the tops and bottoms first. So each center block is usually more like 3 pieces of wood.

I know, that's not what I mean. The centre block itself looks like it's been made from two planks. A very faint straight line in the middle, where I just notice that the grain isn't continuous, that's all.

[DetroitBlues]

I know, that's not what I mean. The centre block itself looks like it's been made from two planks. A very faint straight line in the middle, where I just notice that the grain isn't continuous, that's all.

It could be possible its two pieces... But does a Les Paul sound better if the back is one or two pieces? My thought is there is no difference in tone. Think it's fine.

[TalismanRich]

I'm guessing here, but they may be using the same thickness of maple that they use for the tops of the 150s/157 which I believe was about 1" thick. It would be very easy to stack two pieces, much easier than stocking extra wood as 2" thick boards. Save the wood that doesn't have the "pretty" grain structure for the center blocks and use the good looking stuff for the tops.

 

Here are two pieces being glued on the "ferris wheel" for a top on a 150/157.

 

 

......but then, I could be wrong.

[H535UK]

I'm guessing here, but they may be using the same thickness of maple that they use for the tops of the 150s/157 which I believe was about 1" thick. It would be very easy to stack two pieces, much easier than stocking extra wood as 2" thick boards. Save the wood that doesn't have the "pretty" grain structure for the center blocks and use the good looking stuff for the tops.

 

Here are two pieces being glued on the "ferris wheel" for a top on a 150/157.

 

 

......but then, I could be wrong.

Thank you all. I pulled the bridge pickup out and there it looks like one piece of maple. Maybe the line along the side of the centre block is created by the sander. Anyway it isn't an issue.