Oops... Re: Unusual rib structure?

[Sarah Fox]

Hi Del et al.,

So these rib ties were somewhat of a "missing link" between the old
no-cutoff-bar design and the more modern cutoff bar construction???  Just
curious -- What was the evolutionary history, in a few sentences or less?

Thanks!

Peace,
Sarah

----- Original Message -----
From: "Delwin D Fandrich" <pianobuilders@olynet.com>
To: "Pianotech" <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Wednesday, May 07, 2003 3:16 PM
Subject: Re: Oops... Re: Unusual rib structure?


>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Sarah Fox" <sarah@gendernet.org>
> To: "Pianotech" <pianotech@ptg.org>
> Sent: May 07, 2003 10:32 AM
> Subject: Re: Oops... Re: Unusual rib structure?
>
>
> > Hi Thump,
> >
> > >      As you know, vibrations pass more rapidly along
> > > wood grain, than across it. I believe that the intent
> > > here was to allow the vibrations, passing into the
> > > ribs from the bridge crossover point, to have another
> > > means of surface distribution. One which helps them
> > > overcome the "cross grain slow-down". And I suspect
> > > that Mr.Wissner tried it for this reason, liked the
> > > effect, and let it stay.
> >
> > Dunno...  These ties are at the ends of the ribs, not the middle.  I was
> > thinking they might be under light tension to help maintain the crown.
> >
>
> They are there to simulate a real soundboard cutoff bar. They evolved from
> a time when the largest possible vibrating area of soundboard was
> considered to be some sacred. Indeed, it still is by some piano makers,
> evidence to the contrary notwithstanding. In any case, these straps did
> improve the sustain slightly through the mid-tenor and lower treble. Not
as
> much as a real cutoff bar would have, but they were/are better than
> nothing.
>
> Del
>
> _______________________________________________
> pianotech list info: https://www.moypiano.com/resources/#archives