Fwd: Bechstein Soundboard replacement

[J Patrick Draine]

Begin forwarded message:

> From: "Joel Rappaport" <JRPiano@austin.rr.com>
> Date: Wed May 21, 2003  4:46:55  PM US/Eastern
> To: <draine@attbi.com>
> Subject: Bechstein Soundboard replacement
>
> Patrick,
> Here is some additional info I hope you find useful (try saying
> "Tropenfluegelausfuehrung" fast three times).  I tried to post it to 
> the
> List, but since I just lurk there, it would not take it.  Feel free to 
> cut
> the paragraphs below and post if you think it might add to the 
> discussion.
> ----Joel
>
> Hi, Group!
> Actually, my recollection from working in the factory in the 70's is 
> that
> all Bechsteins had screws through the board into the ribs near the 
> ends.
> They are rather short screws and didn't effect the board or the ribs 
> that
> much.  There were no soundboard buttons placed on top of the board.  
> Put it
> down to "tradition" why this practice has continued through the 
> decades.
>
> What Patrick is referring to is an option offered by many piano
> manufacturers called the "Tropenfluegelausfuehrung."  All that means 
> is a
> tropical grand piano treatment.  Features were, in addition to screws
> through the board into the ribs, brass tacks holding on the key 
> bushings,
> brass tacks through the top of the hammer shank into the knuckle core 
> wood,
> the use of special coated piano wire, use of special moisture resistant
> glues throughout the case and a bunch of other things to combat the 
> effect
> of excessive moisture on a piano.
> IMHO, adding a few screws to duplicate the original would be a nice 
> touch on
> a Bechstein.
> Joel Rappaport
> Round Rock, Texas
>
>