Optimum Bridge height

[David Love]

Okay, let me be more specific.  I'm replacing a soundboard on a Steinway M.
I'm replacing the pinblock first.  The original block tapers down gradually
so that the treble side is about 1/8" thinner than the bass side.  This
corresponds to a similar change in original string height from tenor to
high treble.   Since I am replacing the board and bridges (new caps on old
root), I don't see any reason to duplicate this pattern exactly or why the
top end treble shouldn't have the same string height as the tenor.  Unless,
the added thickness that will result at the treble end of the bridge is of
any significance.   Am I wrong to ignore this.  

(BTW Ric B.  not every answer about tone is based on pure subjectivity)

David Love
davidlovepianos@earthlink.net


> [Original Message]
> From: Ron Nossaman <RNossaman@cox.net>
> To: <davidlovepianos@earthlink.net>; Pianotech <pianotech@ptg.org>
> Date: 2/13/2004 10:31:58 PM
> Subject: Re: Optimum Bridge height
>
>
> >Is there an optimum height for a bridge (or recommended minimum and
maximum
> >height) in terms of sound production?
>
> Not that I'm aware of.
>
>
> >Does it vary depending on the
> >section of the piano?
>
> Not that I'm aware of.
>
> The required bridge height, and therefore stiffness and mass, depends on 
> the soundboard assembly, which depends on the string scale. More ribs and
a 
> stiffer soundboard assembly means you can get away with a less stiff
bridge 
> and still get  a desired effect. Fewer ribs and a more flexible
soundboard 
> assembly will need a stiffer bridge (taller, wider), to get a similar 
> desired effect. Mass is important in the treble, while stiffness is more 
> critical in the bass. The height of the bridge is meaningful only in 
> context with everything else. It's a system.
>
> Ron N