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I just braced the top on my current build, using a Martin "A" Hybrid pattern. I am having a little fun with this build and trying new things. Maybe someone can help? I moved teh X brace approc an inch lower towards the lower bout, this howeever means that my bridge plate must move higher into the center of the X. I built the bridge plate from rosewood. Now, when I attach the bridge, the outside pins will be cloder to the X brace becouse the bridge plate has moved higher into the center of the X--leaving my 1 and 6 pin pretty close to each leg of the X. Any idea how this might effect tone? Or, have I just created a problem?
Thanks

No idea Scott how much it might affect tone.

Biggest worry I'd have is drilling through an xbrace.

After you get the neck aligned perfectly it might just hug one side or the other more than you'd believe.

Good luck, hope it works out.

_________________
http://www.dickeyguitars.com

Consider a pinless bridge on this one. PICS?

_________________
http://www.dickeyguitars.com

In my meager experience, the change you mentioned might make for a "tighter" sounding instrument. It may have a little less sustain & (depending on a bunch of other factors) it may be a bit less bassy.
This configuration would be good for a player who does quick cord changes or who is an aggressive flat picker.
This is a really vague generalization, because so many other factors are in play.
If I am trying to produce a very sensitive finger picker's guitar, with lots of bass & sustain, I do the opposite of what you are doing. I spread the X as wide as is practical & keep it as close to the soundhole as I can.
I agree with you wholeheartedly... It's fun (& satisfying when it works) to play with the bracing to try & develop a sound that can be part of your "signature"
If you're concerned about drilling into the X brace, try locating your bridge exactly & locate your first & sixth string pin locations. Pilot drill the holes with a 1/16" drill bit to be sure you have the clearances you need.
If you end up too close to a brace, you might be able to correct the problem by changing the neck taper, or using a slightly longer scale length. (depending on how large your bridge graft is)
If you layed out your dimensions on a full sized plan, you should be fine... Good Luck!
Dan

    Moving the X brace intersection an inch to the lower bout direction will
ceate a tighter sound and will probably result in less volume with the
lower legs of the X falling closer to the center of the bridge itself.

    You won't be able to use a standard bridge with bridge pins holding
the strings in place for obvious reasons. A pinless bridge will be your only
choice.

    In prewar Martins and other guitars, the X bracing is shifted toward the
upper bout to allow for more free vibrating area of the top in the lower
bout. When a builder is trying to emulate that vintage sound, the shifting
of the bracs in that direction is the first consideration they make usually.

   You don;t wnt your X brace intersection too close to the center of your
bridge since it will reduce the very purpose of the X brace design with its
ability to provide stability in front of and behind the bridge as rolls under
string tension.

Regards,
Kevin Gallagher/Omega Guitars