Ron, As an experienced bellyman here at the factory I must take this opportunity to comment on the discussion about "high tech soundboard installation." Since every rim here at Steinway, after it is cured, takes on a unique shape, the factory must custom fit most of the component parts within a particular cabinet. At soundboard fitting a mechanical fraizing machine trims the soundboard, following the exact countour of the rim. The result is a precisely fitted board (by design), abutted against the outer rim to ensure long term crown. The older, hand fitting, method achieved the same results. Any spaces between the soundboard edge and the rim, as a result of the less precise methods, were shimmed by forcing a maple wedge in the gap. The final results, old vs. new, are exactly the same and are what Steinway requires. STEINWAY & SONS Michael Mohr
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