Here goes, jumping in at the middle again! Robin Hufferd wrote: Had this been the case then even a relatively light pressure upon the bridge should immediately reduce the loudness of the sound emanating from the soundboard as it does with the flexing part of the fork and a variable pressure would introduce variable volumes in the sound. This is plainly not the case. It is the case, however, that pressure upon the stem and base of the fork does not eliminate the sound; and this is precisely what occurs when pressure is applied to the bridge. Just to test the theory, I took out my trusty fork and gave it a listen. Next, walked over to the big, heavy bench with the big, heavy vise. Clamped it down good by the "non vibrating" end and struck it again. Hmmmmm...... very quiet this time. Maybe no matter how tightly you clamp the fork in a fleshy, nonrigid finger, you can't hear a difference. Yet clamped in a much more rigid system, there is an obvious difference. In much the same way, a strung piano soudboard/bridge assembly SEEMS to be rigid, yet allows periodic motion (tone, as opposed to a hammer rap) to set the structure in motion. Does it take a lot of energy? Nope, that's why pianos work. Ron Koval _________________________________________________________________ Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com
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