I'd like to throw my two cents worth into the fray. I believe that downbearing is not essential for the production of sound. However, I further believe that it helps the production of volume. It's my theory that if the board possesses "latent" energy, (ie crown and downbearing working together), then that "latent energy" will respond to the stimulus of the vibrating string more readily, with more "output". Best Regards, Joe Garrett, RPT, (Oregon) Captain, Tool Police Squares Are I
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