Martin: History of X Bracing

[Jeremy]

Martin posted this to their YouTube channel today:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnwcluW6VnE

[zmf]

A shot across the bow of the V brace?

[M19]

That's my perception.

If so, wonder if it was a marketing reaction or a reaction of pride?

[rokdog49]

Originally Posted by M19

That's my perception.

If so, wonder if it was a marketing reaction or a reaction of pride?

Seems like both.
Here's a thought. If the Taylor V-bracing concept begins to really take hold, what will everyone do, if anything? X-bracing dominates the acoustic guitar world.
Will luthiers who build customs and limited runs copy Taylor on their own? At the request of customers?
Hmmmm.

[Arthur Blake]

Originally Posted by zmf

A shot across the bow of the V brace?

Seems clear that was the impetus for the video. I did find the historical references very interesting, and also enjoyed Chris Martin's description of the development of the X brace away from the fan brace in connection with the pin bridge.

[zmf]

Originally Posted by Arthur Blake

I did find the historical references very interesting, and also enjoyed Chris Martin's description of the development of the X brace away from the fan brace in connection with the pin bridge.

Yes, I noticed that. Was it Patti Page who sang "Is that all there is?".
We have the "Holy X Brace" because they were drilling holes through the braces, and decided that was not a good thing, and moved the braces somewhere else?

[Monsoon1]

Originally Posted by zmf

Yes, I noticed that. Was it Patti Page who sang "Is that all there is?".
We have the "Holy X Brace" because they were drilling holes through the braces, and decided that was not a good thing, and moved the braces somewhere else?

Necessity is the mother of invention

[godfreydaniel]

Originally Posted by zmf

Yes, I noticed that. Was it Patti Page who sang "Is that all there is?".

Peggy Lee!

[Shades of Blue]

I think each type of bracing offers its own strengths and weaknesses. I love my Grand Pacifics, but I can tell you that they don't have the low end of a Martin Dread. Where they shine is in balance and volume.

V Bracing should make Martin uncomfortable, but they shouldn't fear it. X Bracing isn't going anywhere and it is the standard. V Bracing is just a different flavor. I do think this should trigger Martin to start innovating. They have been successfully riding the coattails of tradition for years, but eventually, time will catch up to them and new generations will just be accustomed to something different.

Imagine a world where vanilla dominates the ice cream market. Then, a maker decides to introduce chocolate and the vanilla crowd goes insane and can't handle two wildly accepted flavors at the same time! Yeah....it's sort of as silly as that!