Backbraces: topside profile?

[Herman]

The underside of my backbraces have a 15' contour. For the topside I still use a martinstyleshape that is quite flat on top and tapered the last 3 inches to the rim. I keep them small and high, almost triangled.

But I've seen topside-profiles that are rounded, tapered from the middle or parabolic to the sides.
I cannot recall that somewhere specific sonic claims were made.
Do you think the top-profile (not the cross-section) has any importance at all?
Herman

[Tim Benware]

I believe it most certainly does both structurally and sonically however, quantifying those differences is another story (or perhaps the same old story). It's so hard to verify those changes and attribute them to one thing because of all the other variables. I just don't think about it too much. First, I don't have the time to ponder it and second, I don't have the time to build and test it. So, I just build to the old tried and true Martin and Gibson styles and pump out great sounding guitars:)

[Kevin in California]

I prefer the more rounded profile on the top of my braces, but I can only say that because I like the look better. My guitars sound pretty good so it must be due to the shape of my braces. :)

Kevin

[Herman]

You're right Tim, it probably does not matter very much.

Kevin, looking at your back bracings, they look very much the same as mine. FWIW.
Herman

[ken cierp]

I use the taller braces all for positions on the back, its seems to me that they act ,ore like a flor joist than the low wide ones -- could be wrong but I never addressed or researched the impact of various profiles. However I bet if you searched there would be different opinions regarding acoustic properties.

[Herman]

Ya, Ken, I guess you're right. But probably only few care about it. BTW: I use the same high braces as you do.