Let me restate the question

[Farrell]

There is no doubt in my mind that one could build such a panel (or subpanel) 
that ended up with something very close to an equal of a traditional RC&S 
ribbed soundboard regarding strength - or support - you could make it have 
the same/similar spring characteristics (isn't that what the objective is?).

Now, I'm not sure that panel would be the same thickness as a "normal" panel 
(although I don't think it would be radically different).

And as long as we are laminating up five or more laminations, if a designer 
felt one or more inner plies at some other angle would be beneficial, that 
wouldn't be too much of a problem to build.

But I think maybe the real question is - how well would this structure 
function as a panel?

The curved structure that looses about half its unstrung crown after 
stringing shouldn't be too difficult to build. But what would it sound like? 
How would it affect the panel-type response to string/bridge vibration?

With respect to your Bluthner and keeping the panel original-looking, I just 
had a thought. Even if all these wild thoughts had some merit, do you know 
what the underside of your soundboard would look like? Presumably the 
laminated panel would have to be tapered in a way not all that different 
from what Del and Ron N are doing with their laminated ribs. Are you ready 
for that? I think it would be kinda cool, but maybe not very 
original-looking. But then again, are you really going to have people 
crawling under this thing with flashlights and magnifying glasses? And 
maybe, after the panel/rib structure is constructed - especially considering 
there would no ribs at some point, after tapering - perhaps one could just 
apply one more veneer of spruce over the tapered underside of the structure 
with the grain going in the desired aesthetic direction.

Just some random thoughts.

Terry Farrell

----- Original Message ----- 
> Keeping the laminations all in same direction is an idea that goes other 
> directions then worrying about cracks.
>
> What I was curious about and still havent gotten a straight up answer too, 
> is whether or not a laminate board laminated over a curved caul with the 
> grain all going in the same direction could achieve the same crown and 
> crown support as a ribbed board with ribs going perpendicular to the 
> grain.  I.e. the strength of the laminant panel along the grain compared 
> to the strength of the ribbed board along the ribs.
>
> Cheers
> RicB