This is not being posted in DIY because this box will not involve any products from the JBL extended family. I am building a pair of bass reflex boxes for 12 inch single driver (very extended range driver to the uninitiated) transducers. The speaker is mounted near the top of the baffle, seated listening height in fact, with a small tubeless port much lower down. The tube is actually the 3/4 inch thickness of the lumber.
The idea here is a tuned pipe 13x13x46.5 inches, inside dimensions. It needs to be very well braced. This design has been built with a multitude of internal bracing schemes. The attached image is of a typical build.
My question arises when I imagine this box with external bracing. An internal window brace below the speaker is an oft used and obvious choice, but experience shows vertical or even X bracing is an effective additional enhancement. Ignoring cosmetic considerations - and I always do, I'm hardcore - has anyone ever seen external bracing implemented?
The interior of the enclosure will be thoroughly dampened, so no additional bracing is needed inside for that reason. Picture the ribs inside the hull of a wooden ship, or the flying butresses of a gothic cathedral. Better yet, like the internal bracing of an acoustic flattop guitar. Strips of wood (well, probably cut planks of plywood mounted perpendicularly) running vertically or in X patterns on the outside of the sides and back. Perhaps a couple on the inside of the front baffle.
Would this be effective?
Clark in Peoria