Could you post some pictures.

I have completed a "what if" all poplar hourglass instrument, 26.5 VSL and the fretboard "floats" it is only in contact with the top at the peghead and tail block, otherwise about 3/16" clearance full  length. The bridge rests directly on the top with no contact with fretboard. Right now the bridge feet each have about 1/2" x 5/8" bearing on the top.  A previous trial build has fretboard attached but stops short of the tail block. It is walnut with butternut top.  The two  builds have very similar volume and tone. I was thinking of decreasing the footprint of the bridge on the top to see if it changes anything.  Both instruments have bracing under the bridge area.    I am going to go to a size heavier strings also on the poplar instrument. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

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