All guitar makers owe a debt to CF Martin for the X bracing design that has become a part of most steel string guitars. Most makers like to interpret those features in their own ways, but it would be wrong to claim that a minor modification is actually a radical departure.

The features that are incorporated into Fylde instruments come from the application of engineering and scientific principles to wooden components.

The  top brace above the soundhole is probably the most important part of the structure. Together with proper support on the underside of the fingerboard tongue, it transfers string tension to the curving guitar sides and across the width of the soundboard

The soundhole  removes wood from an area that is highly stressed and  is in the direct “path” of the distributed string tension. Adding reinforcement to the soundhole edges in the form of a patch or doughnut is an idea actually taken from Spanish tradition, but should be regarded as essential in a steel string guitar.  That is what can be seen around the soundhole edge of a Fylde guitar- the extra reinforcement that will keep your guitar strong. Arranging extra bracing either side of the soundhole in two angled legs is similar to the engineering design of bridges and trestles, and again, is essential. 

If the upper bracing and soundhole area can support the tension of the strings, then the design, shape and spacing of the bracing on the  larger, lower area of the soundboard, can be adjusted to manipulate  the tone of the guitar.