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Was just wondering what you archtop builders use most often parallel or x bracing. I'm leaning towards x but wonder how much difference it makes. Benedetto claims it to be softer and mellow. That sound like parallel could be described as harsher, to me anyway. I don't need to blast through an orchestra so softer and mellow sounds appealing..

Hi Mike,
I have done both and have now use the X bracing.
As far as the claims that the parallel bracing produces more "cutting" power I would take that with a grain of salt,there are just too many variables in my opinion (top thickness,brace size and shape,recurve shape,wood density,size and type of f-holes,etc).
What I would suggest is to try one(or more) of each and see which one YOU like,then work to refine that type.

For some, it's just a question of whether a pickup will be put into the top. If so, they go with the parallel braces.

I build a model that has an X brace with a cut-in pickup.
I spread the x enough so the pickup fits between the braces.

Brad,

Yup, I know it can be done by someone who knows what he's doing. It's probably just easier to do the pickup/parallel combo. No doubt a tradition started by Gibson. And of course, a floating pickup would give you any bracing option.

X-bracing with a 7-string set pickup is even more of a stretch but is do-able.
Nelson

Mike, most builders use "X" braces to my knowledge. I've only played two (2) parallel braced archtops and they sounded pretty darn good. Had I not been told they were parallel braced I'm not sure I would have known the difference. Which kinda picks up on Brad's first post.

With a cut-in pickup (other than the fit issue) I am not sure it would matter much as the tap tone of the plate will be changed after surgery.

As an aside, I've never quite understood the logic in finely arching, graduating and bracing a plate only to cut-in a pick-up (I am not challenging anyone here -- I just don't get it).

[QUOTE=Anthony Z] Mike, most builders use "X" braces to my knowledge. I've only played two (2) parallel braced archtops and they sounded pretty darn good. Had I not been told they were parallel braced I'm not sure I would have known the difference. Which kinda picks up on Brad's first post.

With a cut-in pickup (other than the fit issue) I am not sure it would matter much as the tap tone of the plate will be changed after surgery.

As an aside, I've never quite understood the logic in finely arching, graduating and bracing a plate only to cut-in a pick-up (I am not challenging anyone here -- I just don't get it).[/QUOTE]

Same here, it seems like a lot to go through to finally put a pick up? Interested in the logical answer also!

I got commisioned to make a few cut-in pick up guitars and I built one on spec.
Since I only make solid wood guitars that is the only way I could do that.
I suppose I could have bought some plywood plates,but that would ceartainly limit the figure of the wood I could have used and I really had no interest in making a laminated guitar.
Here's a picture of my L-5XE model (x-braced):

Beautiful Brad!!   I get your point -- it's cosmetic.

Thanks Brad, got it too, she's just awesome, i'll have to get Benedetto's informations too one day.

[QUOTE=Anthony Z]As an aside, I've never quite understood the logic in finely arching, graduating and bracing a plate only to cut-in a pick-up (I am not challenging anyone here -- I just don't get it).[/QUOTE]
There was a time when I was puzzled by this, too, but here's how I see it now...
Even though it will be compromised by setting in a pickup, there's just nothing like the feel, responsiveness, and sound of a solid-wood archtop. For players who don't like the sound of floating pickups (many feel they don't deliver the same punch or "woodiness" outside the box), it's an acceptable compromise. And it'll still sound quite good unplugged, unlike most laminated guitars.