Well, the sound did improve with playing, especially the mid range. The bass response was still not up to my expectations. the new top is 3A sitka, with very tight annular rings, and lots of medullary rays showing. I know that this new top bracing will be strange to some, but this design has produced my best sounding SS's by far!!! The original top is removed and the new one ready for glue up. Happy I used hide glue. LOL. Russ