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Ive got 2 tops done, one with a light varnished I messed up on, so I did the bracing anyway to get one under the belt, and learned a bit in the process. I like the tap tone on the first one better, its way more growly, and it has a light varnish coat on it (aka Kinkeads book) the second top is alot more 'tight' sounding, a rosewood bridge plate, and no varnish.

They both are dred style x brace and scallop bracing

Q: Will the top varnish coat on the first contribute to the first one sounding more 'open' and growly, and the rosewood BP on the second contribute to it sounding more 'reserve'.

 

Just looking to eliminate some variables, although Im happy at this point with the second top, its ready for the sides.

 

 

EVERYTHING effects the tap tones. With so many varieties of varnish out there, and so much variation in wood properties, and then the shape and size and bracing..... Who can say what to expect? Most finishes add significantly to cross grain stiffness of top woods, with much less change in the lengthwise stiffness. Some finishes add damping, some don't. All add mass.