Is there any advantage to scallop the back braces

[Benjy]

I am starting my next build. It is a dreadnaught with a 3 piece back, Padauk and Bubinga with Bubinga sides and a Sitka spruce top.

My question is, would scalloping the back braces change the tone or sound?

[tippie53]

not really in fact it may be a problem. Too much movement on the back will allow the joint to fail. Martin used a lower wider brace up to the 80's and went to the higher brace we see today because of structural issues. The top is where most of the sound is generated. Once you place the guitar against your body you have muted the back anyway

[Benjy]

Thanks, That makes good sense.