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X-Bracing vs. Fan Bracing
TL;DR: Don't put steel strings on a classical guitar.
X-bracing and fan bracing are two common bracing patterns used in the construction of acoustic guitars, and they are associated with different types of guitars — steel-string guitars often use X-bracing, while classical guitars typically feature fan bracing.
X-bracing is commonly used in steel-string acoustic guitars, which are designed to handle the higher tension of steel strings, and involves two braces that cross each other in an “X” shape below the soundhole. This bracing pattern helps support the top of the guitar and reinforces it against the higher tension of steel strings. The placement and angles of the braces are carefully designed to achieve a balance between structural stability and resonance.
X-bracing tends to provide a more pronounced and focused midrange, with a good balance between bass and treble frequencies. It is often associated with a powerful and projecting sound, making it suitable for styles that require a strong and cutting tone.
Fan bracing is a traditional bracing pattern used in classical guitars, which are designed for lower tension gut (or nylon) strings. The braces radiate out from the base of the guitar in a pattern that resembles a fan, with the braces being generally lighter and more delicate compared to the braces in X-braced guitars. Fan bracing is designed to allow the top of the guitar to vibrate more freely, producing a warm and rich tone.
Fan-braced classical guitars typically have a broader tonal palette with a strong emphasis on the low end and a warm, mellow sound. The design aims to maximize sustain and resonance, producing a well-balanced and nuanced tone that complements the expressive requirements of classical and fingerstyle playing.
While X-bracing and fan bracing represent two major categories, there are variations and hybrids within each, and luthiers may experiment with different bracing patterns to achieve specific tonal characteristics. The choice between X-bracing and fan bracing often depends on the type of strings the guitar will use, the desired tonal qualities, and the playing style for which the instrument is intended.
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Hand-made in the USA by Gamut Music, Inc., a leader in the revival of early music strings and instruments. Gut strings are not intended to be used with fine tuners or string adjusters, and those devices should be removed before installing the gut string on the instrument.
All Gamut Academie strings (pure gut and gut/metal-wound) are made with beef serosa unless they specifically say “sheep gut.” All pure gut Tricolore violin and viola strings are made with sheep gut; gut/metal-wound Tricolore and all Red Diamond strings are made with beef serosa.
Gamut gut string gauges are approximate (≈) diameter. Meaning, that while a ≈0.60mm string is polished in the workshop to a diameter of 0.60mm, changes in ambient humidity, temperature, shipping, and storage conditions can cause to string to expand or contract slightly.
Gimped gut strings and custom gauged equal tension strings are gauged with the equivalent-gauge (=) system. This means that the gauge listed, such as =1.50mm, indicates that the string is approximately equal in weight to a plain gut string of that diameter. Of course, because the wire is much heavier than gut, the string will be much thinner than a plain gut string.
More information about Gamut gut strings, string types, gauges, and string tensions can be found on our FAQ/Articles page. Not finding an answer to your question? Please contact us directly: support@gamutmusic.com.