A Steinway B from the 20's that I have serviced for about 5 years is beginning to form cracks alongside many of the about 11 feet of shims that were put in the soundboard (not by me) about 6 years ago. Cracks are more prominent in the middle of the board. The owner, having paid a great deal of money for an otherwise apparently quality rebuilding job, does not yet know of the problem. I am trying to get an idea of how to understand the possible cause of the problem, remedy, and perhaps the use of a DC dehumidifier system to prevent a more speedy disrepair of the board. I am also concerned that shims I have put in boards might also suffer the same fate. I understand that the amount and viscosity of the glue used around the shims might have weakened the structure of the wood thus making it less elastic to climatic changes. But I thought I would pass this problem by the rest of you for comment. Clark Foerster RPT
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