Kerfing is tapered strips of wood that are glued around the inside seams of a guitar. Their primary function is to add strength and stability where the sides meet the top and back of the instrument. The word “kerfed” actually means “articulated.” When we talk about kerfing, we’re talking about strips of wood that have had slits cut into them allowing for easy bending and flexibility, perfect for fitting around the curves inside an acoustic guitar. Kerfing is sometimes called lining, or kerf lining, as well.
