Sound clip comparisons between two different bracing designs
The following sound clips were developed for the purpose of comparing two different soundboard bracing designs. The first is the design I have used since 2001 and the second is a design I have been exploring. The sound clips were recorded during a single session in an acoustically neutral room with identical recording settings, no equalization and no subsequent mastering. Unfortunately the recording software applied amplitude limiting to prevent overload distortion and clipping so a volume comparison between the two designs is not well demonstrated. In a close quartered live settings, the latticed fan design appears to produce a distinct increase in volume, however, this has yet to be investigated in a concert hall setting. An increase in volume was definitely an objective, however, it is important to me that tone quality not be compromised in any way. I believe that the tone quality of the lattice brace design is virtually indistinguishable in the recordings. In a live setting the lattice design seems to produce a little more of "everything", specifically balance, clarity, evenness and sustain. In addition there was a slight improvement in the strength and projection in the treble notes.
The initial feed back from a number of players has been very positive, including the client who graciously allowed me to switch his instrument order from my regular build to the latticed model. I will be seeking further feedback from him and his friends and I would welcome any comments (positive or negative) from anyone who listens to these clips.
My thanks go to Ernst Birss who played the guitar in these clips and to John (Woody) Woroschuk who provided the use of his recording studio and made the recordings
1. Standard Fan Bracing Design (Photo)
2. Twin (Latticed) Fan Bracing Design (Photo)
These final clips are provided to provide some idea of the sound of the lattice braced guitar with some ambience added.
Twin (Latticed) Fan Bracing Design with added Ambience