Thoughts on this Van Linge rim and bracing?

[Dave Bagwill]

An interesting experiment! With more top available for resonance, I would have bet that the side-hole guitar would have an appreciable difference in tone and/or volume.
Since you recognized no difference, I have to wonder: to exploit the top resonances provided by the lack of a top soundhole, 1)is x-bracing the best pattern? 2) if it is, should the X itself be located lower in the instrument or higher, toward the headblock?

Or, perhaps, would a double X pattern be best. Or a Smallman?

[Dave Bagwill]

Hans - I sent you a p.m.