When the X is shifted forward, towards the sound hole, the tone is changed ... BUT ... more importantly the entire bracing structure is changed. Forward shifting allows the bridge area to be less stiff which allows the bridge to move a greater distance for the same amount of string energy input. There is a fine line to walk between too stiff and too floppy and finding that structural mean is the difficulty.
Some may make claims that the new guitars are built exactly the same as the pre-war guitars ... BUT ... upon closer examination, that is ... NOT ... the case. They may use the same bracing footprint ... BUT ... they are making changes elsewhere to cover their warranty in case the owner uses heavier strings than they should. There are lots of subtle ways to stiffen the bridge including: thicker bridge plates, taller braces, less scalloping, thicker and taller bridges, thicker tops, etc... So what may initially ... LOOK ... the same on quick reading of the specs ... closer examination of the two structures reveal VAST differences that are not apparent immediately to the unsuspecting.
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