Popsicle Brace

Also known as an “upper transverse graft,” “tongue depressor brace,” or a variety of other terms, a popsicle brace is a strip of wood that runs perpendicular to the grain of an acoustic guitar’s top, typically found under the fingerboard end of the top, and intended as a reinforcement to prevent cracks. This type of brace first began to appear in post-1940 Martin D series guitars. Some current manufacturers use this type of brace, others do not. Whether or not the presence of a popsicle brace is better or worse for a guitar’s tone is the topic of endless debate among players and web forum denizens.