Linings — Lutherie Encyclopedia

LiningsType: glossaryStrips of wood glued inside the guitar body along the edges of the sides, increasing the gluing surface for the top and back.## Definition Linings are strips of wood attached to the interior edges of an instrument's sides (ribs) to widen the gluing surface where the top and back plates are joined. The term is sometimes used interchangeably with kerfing, though linings can also refer to solid (unslotted) strips or any reinforcing strips along the side edges. In classical guitar building, solid linings or tentellones are sometimes used, especially in the Spanish construction method where the sides are inserted into slots cut in the linings rather than glued to their surface. Linings add a small amount of structural rigidity to the side assembly and help ensure a strong, continuous glue joint between the sides and the plates. The wood species and dimensions of the linings can subtly influence the instrument's tone by altering the stiffness of the body edges. ## In Practice The choice between kerfed linings and solid linings depends on the building tradition and the builder's preferences. Kerfed linings are more common in steel-string guitar construction because they flex easily around the body curves and are simple to install. Solid linings are used in some classical and flamenco building traditions, where the sides fit into pre-cut slots. When installing any type of lining, the builder must ensure continuous contact with the sides and a flush, flat top surface for the plates to rest against. After gluing, the linings are trimmed to match the exact contour of the body, often using a long sanding boar…