does bracing affects sound

[DENNY7P]

a lot is talked about differant kinds of woods for tone and volume but doesn't bracing have a lot to do with it????:cool:

[JEStanek]

Yes. In archtop instruments the use of tonebars, X braced, or a transverse brace can influence the sound initially and as the instrument ages. Of greater importance is how well fit and shaped those braces are to the tone character the instrument makes. Type of wood and grain orientation are important factors too.

I think people address the top woods more when it's understood the graduations,bracing and brace materials must be done right first or the wood selections are less influential. The more I learn about what it takes to make a good mandolin, the more impressed with the builders I become!

Jamie

[Timbofood]

Nicely put Jamie, I am constantly impressed with anyone that attempts to build instruments. My Brother got an itch to build an Adirondack Guide Boat that he saw at the Museum up there. got the plasns and about 1/3 of the way through the build he and I both noticed that it was "NOT recommended for the home builder", He is very design minded and has an excellent eye so, we got it finished and it was really a beautiful thing but, I would NEVER think about doing an F5! Kudos to all that do and even more to those with "broader sight" like Hans!