Hello all. I have been visiting this great site for a while, and decided to take the plunge and ask a question. I am sure nestled among the people here, there might be some knowledgable people that can provide information on guitar bracing. I have finally reached a level of proficiency with my guitar playing that necessitates a better instrument. I have saved my pennies for a long time and want to get a "lifer" instrument. I am gravitating towards a Martin, perhaps a dreadnought or a triple O. I have read that Martins made prior to the mid 1970s have what is called straight bracing, and that newer ones as well as ones made before 1945 have what is termed "scalloped" bracing. Can anyone explain the differences, and how this affects the stucture of the guitar, and how it affects the overall tone? Is there a noticable difference if I were to play a 1940 D-28 vs. a 1948 D-28 (just as an example.) Grateful for any advice on this subject.