Bridge dimensions

Barbara J. Fandrich pianobuilders@olynet.com
Sat, 29 Mar 2003 20:03:21 -0800


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David Love wrote:

Del:
Is there an ideal dimension (height, width and width at the footprint) =
in the treble section of the piano? It seems that the two requirements =
are at odds, one of flexibility to allow the soundboard to move, and one =
of stiffness to increase impedance in that section and improve sustain.=20

Wouldn't it be better to support the board in that section with an =
additional rib, say, and leave the bridge more flexible? Or is it six of =
one...

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It depends, I suppose, on what you mean by 'ideal.' Why do you think the =
bridge needs to be "[flexible] enough to allow the soundboard to =
move...?" The soundboard is going to move anyway--even if the bridges =
were infinitly stiff it (the assembly) would still move.=20

The bridges need to be stiff enough so that the impedance level does not =
drop enough to significantly affect power and sustain in between the =
ribs. Obviously, if the ribs are closer together, i.e., a greater number =
of ribs, the bridge do not have to be as tall to accomplish this. Both =
the bridge dimensions and the number of ribs and their dimensions are a =
balancing act. The more ribs--and the more stiffness and mass in the rib =
field--the lower and less massive the bridge can (should) be. If the rib =
field is skimpy the bridges are going to have to be taller and wider to =
compensate.=20

Bridge width is usually as much a function of mechanical necessity as of =
acoustics. It must be wide enough to easily accomodate the bridge =
pinning configuration without coming apart. It has been my observation =
over the years that bridges that are much less than 30 to 32 mm in width =
are somewhat more prone to splitting.

Del



Delwin D Fandrich
Piano Designer & Builder
Hoquiam, Washington 98550 USA
360.532-2563
360.532-6688
pianobuilders@olynet.com

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