Cracks and ridges

[Paul Stephens]

Brent.Fischer@asu.edu wrote:
>
> On Friday, 23 Aug. 1996, John Hartman wrote:
>
> > What I find particularly absurd is the idea that ridges in soundboard
> > indicate superior wood handling and seasoning.
>
> Dear Mr. Hartman,
>
>    It is to  what degree of ridging in a Steinway soundboard that
> concerns me mostly, since to duplicate their processing methods, which
> deliver maximum tonal impact  and output, it is to be expected to have
> wood joint compression. I am not in favor of excessive ridging but the
> act of crowning a soundboard with flat sugar pine ribs into a
> fifty-five foot radius caul at around percent 5% MC  is going to result
> in joint compression.

Brent,

Could you explain this?  I don't understand how this would cause
compression.  It almost seems to me that the opposite condition would
result.  Thanks.

Paul Stephens, RPT