This is a very basic question and I may have got things confused!
Whenever I see constructional details of flat-backed plucked instruments after about 1800 or so they all seem to use either solid linings, or kerfing or tentallones to join the top and the back to the sides. This is true (I think) of all guitars, flat-backed mandolins, ukuleles bandurrias, timples... etc....they all use extra wood attached to the insides of the ribs.
But at least some earlier (flat-backed, plucked) instruments don't. Have I got that right? If so, why do (some) earlier instruments just have soundboard and backs glued to the sides?
Grateful for any insights Stuart --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
