Quoted from PinMonk:Newer Sterns now have a slightly upgraded stubby bracket that reinforces the seam. It's less than the full-length B/W bracket, but much better than the little metal strip they were using when I made this guide and they had just started shipping cabs with the cheaper, softer wood that couldn't hold the tension and were splitting a the seams.
I have a new Stern on order. Is the upgrade still necessary do you think?