thoughts on back bracing

[hat]

I'm curious to see if anyone on here has used a X bracing pattern for the back of a guitar? If so, how much extra bracing outside of the main X did you add, if any? What about mimicking the top bracing? I realize the back doesn't have the same string stress on it that the top does, so perhaps this doesn't make much sense to do...
What about something similar to a violin, with a soundpost going from the bass side of the top, to a lightly braced back, to help drive the back also?
Other thoughts, ideas, or experiments that worked ( or went awry? )

[iim7V7IM7]

Originally Posted by hat

I'm curious to see if anyone on here has used a X bracing pattern for the back of a guitar? If so, how much extra bracing outside of the main X did you add, if any? What about mimicking the top bracing? I realize the back doesn't have the same string stress on it that the top does, so perhaps this doesn't make much sense to do...
What about something similar to a violin, with a soundpost going from the bass side of the top, to a lightly braced back, to help drive the back also?
Other thoughts, ideas, or experiments that worked ( or went awry? )

Michael Bashkin does an x-brace in the upper bout of his backs combined with a ladder braces in the lower bout.

[Skarsaune]

Trevor Gore's bracing for a live back is sorta X-braced, with 4 radial tone bars.

link with pics:
https://goreguitars.com.au/main/page...k_bracing.html

[NotALuth]

C.F.Martin on their new SC-13E. Clearly visible through the soundhole.

[Alan Carruth]

I've used a number of different back brace schemes over the decades. They all 'work', but they tend to sound a little different. These days I'm finding that I have more control and better results with a Martin-style 'ladder' back, using two tall and narrow braces in the upper bout and waist, and two low and wide ones in the lower bout. There are reasons behind the traditions.

[redir]

I have since settled down to the traditional Martin style back bracing too. The low wide braces make for a nice active back and the tall ones a nice reflective back.

[Frank Ford]

Originally Posted by Alan Carruth

t. There are reasons behind the traditions.

You said it, bro!