I just wanted to see this up on the forum again as it already archived. This top is very interesting for several reasons.
1. The lower tonebars are single-peaked. I'll swear they had scallops on there the first time I looked. So that really is a serious but cool-looking mod.
2. The lower part of the main X-brace is not inlaid into the sides, they are tapered away like a tonebar or finger brace. I take mine all the way through and perch it on the sides and linings. I know others do this too. Anyone had a main x pop loose due to this?
3. It has a double transverse brace under the fingerboard area. I do this too, primarily because I was following Hoffman and he does this. Plus, the Martin kit blueprint also shows two. It's an old design and prior to adjustable truss rods. Not a problem for me because I use a head adjusting rod.
4. The bridge plate is large on this bracing scheme. My guess is it's an attempt to eliminate belly bulge? I think this might dampen a top somewhat, just the weight alone. Then it could also dampen it structurally, gee this has got to be really really strong.
5. The last thing is, similar to Olson, the upper tonebar dies into the bridgeplate. It just about has to, I guess you could run it onto the maple plate? That would make replacement difficult.
Overall, a very interesting bracing scheme Rod. Always neat to see another builder's work.
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