I'm not much of a gambler. I like, within reason, guaranteed results. The reason I took the approach I did — taking the top off — is that I have seen my own half measures fail. I am in no way suggesting that your half measures aren't splendid, but mine have always sucked.
This guitar was a candidate for top off for the following 3 reasons.
- Cracked X Brace
- Crazy cross grain break at the bridge (although I've got through the sound hole for that before)
- Top cracks that absolutely refused to align with the top on due to crazy brace failure.
- Taking the top off with the binding still attached is pretty easy with wood binding and hide glue.