Soundboard stress cracks

[Jim]

Mike:

The proper nomenclature for this problem is First: pressure ridges
(from too high humidity - not the manufacturer's fault). Second: cracks
after 2 or 3 winters of extreme dryness (again, not the manufacturer's
fault).  Third: wider cracks and rib separation. Only the latter 2 seem
to have any bearing on the tone sometimes, but not always.

Jim Coleman, Sr. (AZ)


On Sat, 17 Aug 1996, Mike Bingham wrote:

> I have a highly skilled pianist client who recently purchased a S&S "B" c. 1920
> from a well known Steinway dealer in the NE. This piano was completely rebuilt
> with new board, block, and action. Purchased 6 months ago, I saw this piano for
> the first time yesterday,  to give a critical evaluation because of some
> "inconsistencies" in the playablility of this piano.
>
> To my surprise, there appears a significant stress fissure through the finish in
> the center of the board extending the length of the board, right through the
> middle of the decal. It is not into the wood, but it is raised and separated
> along the finish edges. In that regard, it seems a fairly thick coat of varnish,
> if that is what it is. There are also 2 other "auxilliary" cracks (fissures?)
> parallel and on either side of this main one. None of these have caused a rib
> separation, yet. Yes, it's humid here in NJ this summer and the board has that
> wavy stressed look to it.
>
> This piano was purchased for $36G which included her trading in the "M" she had
> worn out. My last experience tracking some serious looking fissures on a new
> grand with a solid board lasted 2 years until it finally went through the wood
> last winter, and now I can see the floor. (The manufacturer was just notified
> about that one).
>
> Here are my questions: What is the correct euphemism: fissures? cracks? crazes?
> worry lines? and when does one become another?
> What experiences have you had with new boards cracks?
> Have you followed any from birth to...well,  you know....
> What would you consider the odds for this 5 year warranteed soundboard lasting 5
> years? 10 years?
> Do cracks effect tuning stability? tonal reproduction? donwbearing? value?
>
> Mike Bingham,
> Toms River, NJ
>
>