tone bars... OR..... X bracing?

[jim_n_virginia]

What are the main differences? Is there a preference for playing bluegrass? Are there any good articles anywhere explaing the differences between tone bars and X bracing.

Which one is older?

Thanks in advance if anyone can shed some light in this for me!

The FAQ at Folk of the Wood has a section on this at this location. (http://www.folkofthewood.com/page2168.htm)

[jim_n_virginia]

Thanks Tim going there now!

[M. Montgomery]

One of the big differences is that an x-braced mandolin has better projection. #Which is the opposite of a arch top guitar. #Still there is a lot of different ways to install x-bracing with varing results. #

Madison (n-VA)