Tone bars /bracing in a washburn

Sorry, posted this in the wrong section previously I think!

I have a Washburn M1S mandolin, its a pretty loud campfire beater, 'does its job ok'.
Thing is I have had my hand inside the thing as far as i can but there appears to be no tone bars or bracing whatsoever.
Is this normal?
DD

[Bill Snyder]

The M1S is an f-holed mandolin isn't it? I would expect it to be braced, I just suspect it is further away from the f-holes than you can get to with your fingers.

Yes, it is an f hole Bill and yes i agree, you would expect it to be braced to some degree.
They must be literally right in the middle of the thing (or they forgot to put them in)

[fatt-dad]

get a dental mirror and have a look.

f-d

[Sitka]

I'm not sure about Washburn, but some pacrim mandolins don't require tonebare because their tops are so thick. My Indiana doesn't have any and I think that the top is over 1/4 in.

Dental mirror, good idea.
I think the top is about...1/8 at the F holes, a little thicker perhaps.