New for 2025, Changing the DNA of JKM Guitars
Old problem, new approach
Acoustic guitars have always had a structural battle to overcome, how to make a light and resonant top that can also withstand the pull of the strings? Strong but flexible is what is necessary for a soundboard to achieve its potential. And that was the challenge I tried to face when trying to design a new bracing layout.
The X-Brace has been used to support the soundboard of acoustic steel string guitars for over 150 years, but trying to incorporate something new around this structure is restrictive. Taking inspiration from the curved bracing used in Falcate braced tops, this opened up a whole new approach to soundboard design. Curved braces can be made using a collection of steam bent Sitka spruce laminates to make the brace, and so any curve can be produced.
With this idea in mind, numerous plans and prototypes were developed until the Helix Bracing came to be.
The Helix Brace runs straight through the centre of the top, along the path that the strings are pulling against the bridge. This ensures that the whole length of that brace is in the best position to resist the strings pull. The benefit from this, s that the perimeter of the top can open up and vibreate more freely, where the ends of a traditional X-brace would hold the upper and lower bout of the top more rigid.
Pairing up with the Helix Brace, is the curved brace positioned behind the bridge. This brace interlocks with the Helix brace, creating a very strong and stable centre for which the bridge is joined to, meaning the chance for deformation of the top is greatly reduced. The feathered strut ends, allow there to be very little weight around the rim of the guitar, meaning is can be far more active when played.
The Helix Bracing pattern allows for the top to be braced much more lightly, while still maintaining all the strength needed in the top. A lighter top means a lighter touch can still generate adequate volume.
In order to make a guitar with a light and reactive top, other features are needed to strengthen the body of the guitar to allow the soundboard to work at maximum efficiency.
The features that come as standard in all Helix Braced guitars are:
Hardwearing Fretwire
Although not related to the soundboard, the 36% Nickel Silver fretwire have a much greater hardness than standard fretwire, and with require less future maintenance keeping you playing for longer.Laminated Internal Supports
The tail block and side supports (Twigs) are laminated to match the sides of the instrument, this will help prevent the sides or tail block splitting if it ever receives a hard knock. But more importantly, it looks really nice!
The combination of all these structural upgrades produces a guitar which has excellent bass, clarity, evenness, volume and sustain.
These instruments are the culmination of 17 years of designing and building acoustic guitars.
This is the next step in the evolution of JKM Guitars.
Extended Neck Block
This allows for a more thorough support of the fingerboard going over the soundboard, this both increases the strength of the neck joint as well as ensuring an even tone of notes across the neck.Laminated linings
Laminated linings add a huge amount of stiffness to the sides of the guitar. With the sides being far more stable, they can allow a lightly braced top to vibrate effectively.Shellac sealed internals
Sealing the inside of the back, sides and soundboard not only make the instruments look lovely, but also acts to protect against any sudden humidity changes.
