Quote:
Originally Posted by Craig Regan
How does f-hole placement effect the sound?
If the f-hole is moved closer to the center of the bass, is the sound deeper with more bass response?
Or does the bass have a more treble response if the f-holes are moved closer to the outer ribs?
This is just a theory; still looking for evidence.
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I would say you have that backwards. If the f-holes are close together, this necessitates a narrow bridge and then you have the bass bar and soundpost close together. When that is the case, the bass bar is constricted in its swinging. When the f-holes are farther apart, so can the bass bar and soundpost be, therefore resulting in a fatter, deeper sound. Also, when the f-holes are close to the corners you take advantage of the same effect that makes a bass player sound louder when playing out of a corner. I don't remember the name of this effect, but I bet Ken McKay does...
This does not mean you should place f-holes all the way to the edges, because your tonal balance will suffer. The f-hole upper holes should be spaced the same distance apart as the size of bridge you wish to use. What, design the instrument from the set-up backwards? Exactly.