bracing

[Ancient]

What are the differences in response between x bracing and tone bar bracing and which plays in faster?

[Dale Ludewig]

The answer to your question has so many variables attached to it that I don't think a definitive answer could be given. And it's been discussed before- at length. I'd suggest a search. I don't remember which forum(s). I think I saw some stuff in the general mandolin discussions or looking for info section. And maybe here also.

[Michael Lewis]

I agree with Dale. So many variables that you can't really nail it down, but in general I think the wood is what plays in rather than the bracing pattern chosen.

Ancient, you are asking for a generalization. My take on generalizations is that they are mostly right on, but the problem is that when you are dealing with a specific instance the generalization goes out the window because you are dealing with a specific set of variables that may or may not conform to the generalization.