From the Factory | January 8, 2025
Exploring Bracing and Its Impact on Tone
Scalloped or non-scalloped? Forward or rear-shifted? There’s a lot to learn when it comes to bracing at Martin Guitar.
At the heart of every Martin guitar lies an innovation that revolutionized acoustic guitar design: X-bracing. Invented by C. F. Martin Sr. in the mid-19th century, and widely copied ever since, this pattern not only ensures the guitar's structural stability but also defines its tone, resonance, and projection.
Over the years, Martin has refined and diversified its X-bracing to suit different playing styles and tonal preferences, offering options for scalloping and brace placement that can dramatically alter a guitar's voice.
X-Bracing: The Core of Martin’s Tone
X-bracing, named for the crisscrossing braces under the guitar's top, is the foundation of Martin's sound. This ingenious design provides just the right balance of strength and flexibility, allowing the top to vibrate freely while withstanding the tension of steel strings. The result is a dynamic, responsive tone that has become the gold standard for acoustic guitars.
Scalloped vs. Non-Scalloped Bracing
Scalloped Bracing: Scalloped bracing involves shaving material from the braces to make them lighter and more flexible. This increases the guitar top's responsiveness, creating a tone that is bass-rich, dynamic, and powerful. Guitars with scalloped bracing often have a “breathier” sound and more volume, making them ideal for players who want bold projection and tonal warmth.
And don’t forget, many of these braces are still hand-carved by our team of skilled craftspeople at our factories in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, and Navojoa, Sonora, Mexico.
Non-Scalloped Bracing: Non-scalloped bracing leaves more material intact, resulting in a slightly stiffer top. This creates a tighter, more focused sound with balanced clarity across the tonal spectrum. Guitars with non-scalloped bracing are favored by players who value precision and control.
One of the best ways to hear the difference between scalloped and non-scalloped bracing is to compare the HD-35 (scalloped) and D-35 (non-scalloped). Both guitars share the same body size, tonewoods, and classic three-piece back design, but the bracing makes each model uniquely suited for different sounds and styles.
Bracing Shifts: Forward vs. Rear Placement
Forward-Shifted X-Bracing: With forward-shifted X-bracing, the X-brace is moved from its standard position closer to the soundhole. Standard placement provides a generally even tone, while forward-shifted bracing allows the guitar top to vibrate a bit more freely, resulting in enhanced bass response and a slightly warmer, “boomier” sound. Dreadnought, Jumbo, and Grand Performance models in the 16, Standard, Modern Deluxe, and Authentic series all use this bracing placement.
Rear-Shifted X-Bracing: With rear-shifted X-bracing, the X-brace is positioned farther from the soundhole. This tightens the top, producing a sound with slightly less bass and more treble focus, offering brighter tones and enhanced clarity and responsiveness. This option is mainly available from the Martin Custom Shop.
Learn more about how bracing placement affects tone, and hear it for yourself, in the throwback “Pro Tips” episode below with Martin Manufacturing Manager Dave Doll.
Other Bracing Patterns
Golden Era (GE) Bracing: Golden Era bracing is Martin’s homage to pre-war craftsmanship. With both scalloped and non-scalloped options and vintage specifications, this pattern creates a breathy, open tone with exceptional sustain and responsiveness, currently available on Modern Deluxe models.
A-Frame Bracing: A-frame bracing still features an X-brace but uses an angled bridge plate to provide superior structural stability, making it an excellent choice for guitars with mortise and tenon neck joints, like certain X, Road, and 15 series guitars. It ensures durability without compromising tone.
X Series Bracing: Designed specifically for Martin’s X Series guitars with high-pressure laminate (HPL) tops, this pattern incorporates spruce X-bracing, bow tie plates, and carbon fiber reinforcement. It ensures durability while balancing tone, getting the best sound possible out of a guitar built with alternative materials.
Skeletonized X-Bracing: Martin’s skeletonized X-bracing (above) was introduced with the GPCE Inception™ Maple in 2024. This innovative scalloped bracing features unique hex-shaped holes, working together with sonic channels to increase sustain and amplitude, optimize airflow, and reduce the guitar’s mass without losing structural support. It was purpose-built for the Inception’s sustainable tonewoods, including its FSC®-certified European spruce top, maple sides, and three-piece back of maple and black walnut.
Custom Bracing: For players seeking a personalized sound, Martin’s Custom Shop allows you to select your ideal bracing style. Forward-shifted or rear-shifted, scalloped or non-scalloped, and everything in between, the possibilities are endless.
More From Martin
For nearly 200 years, bracing has been the hidden hero inside every Martin guitar, shaping its tone and ensuring its structural integrity. Whatever style and placement you prefer, Martin offers bracing for every kind of player.
With the option to further customize your guitar through the Custom Shop, Martin continues to set the standard for innovation and craftsmanship in acoustic guitar design.
Discover the perfect bracing for your sound and explore the Martin lineup today.
Until next time, happy playing!