My experiment with two guitar bracing systems has come to an interesting conclusion. Both guitars have great volume and projection, and a strong bass tone. The Martin-style scalloped X-bracing (1st video: sorry for the cell phone quality audio!) seems to have produced a relatively stronger treble response (more “sparkle” according to one player), while the Trevor Gore X-braced guitar (2nd video) has more balance across the spectrum and a solid response that can be pushed for volume without losing tone quality.
Spectral analyses confirm the observations of the players who have helped me evaluate the guitars. The scalloped-braced guitar produces peaks at 353 and 505 hz that aren’t evident with the Gore-type bracing.
These results support the widely reported observation that Martin dreadnought guitars (especially the rosewood D28) tend to have a “scooped” midrange which complements the vocal range of most singers. I’m pleased with the tone of both guitars, though the niche of the scalloped-braced guitar (vocal accompaniment) may be different than that of the Gore braced guitar (instrumental music).