[pianotech] Fwd: re-fabricating a failed soundboard

[Encore Pianos]

I don't know, Dale, but I sure want to find out.  The Steinway with the
board glued into the rim did not seem to be any the worse for wear.

 

Will

 

From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Dale Erwin
Sent: Monday, May 28, 2012 11:20 AM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Fwd: re-fabricating a failed soundboard

 

Jim
  My simplistic approach to ribbing an old  panel like this might be to keep
the cubic centimeters/inches of the rib the same or similar. IE. The
original 25 mm wide and 23 mm tall original rib dimensions now becomes 25 mm
tall and 23 wide with some modest crown cut into them. Stiffness increases
with way less compression. (From Soundboards 101)
    Retain a Calif. sugar pine or Northern white pine rib  as were many
original rib structures so to preserve weight and stiffness characteristics.
(I stock both) I think these species were used as they are stiff and stable
as well as light weight. Combined with a tighter grain orientation, which
the ribs of many old boards possessed.
Stiffness with less mass than spruce ribbing. 
 Jim, I have no doubt whatsoever that you or I or many on this list could
make such a reconstituted soundboard  sing like a bird and sound musically
viable. 
  Now how did they steam this board out without damage to the rim etc. ?
Steam is really hot active penetrating stuff and we are talking water
soluble hide glue in the rim.

Dale Erwin... RPT
Mason & Hamlin/Steinway/U.S pianos
Sitka soundbaord supply
www.Erwinspiano.com
209-577-8397

 
  

 

-----Original Message-----
From: jim <jim at grandpianosolutions.com>
To: pianotech <pianotech at ptg.org>
Sent: Mon, May 28, 2012 7:53 am
Subject: [pianotech] Fwd: re-fabricating a failed soundboard

Hi Dale,

>I'd rib crown it a bit and dry it less. I'm more curious about the tonal
quality of using the old panel versus a new one... 

Exactly my take.

>Honestly I don't think it would be difficult to sell to some clients of
vintage pianos on this idea and you'd be making more than 3 dollars per
hour.

This is the crux. It needs to have a market...and I bet you could turn this
flavor of market on. But the belly would have to sing...keep the Bulls..t
down. 

>The problem is some one will start saying its more better or selling it as
a features or something with spin on it 

Unavoidable. Particularly since all customers require and are actively
looking for something to believe in. This aspect of rebuilding is my least
favorite part of this gig.
But do we need to take ownership of somone else's Bulls..t? MAke the board
sing(if possible) and it could be a viable item, which requires no old
growth trees be cut down. 

You are stuck with the original grain orientation, which for me is a
bummer...but..I don't know...chew on the question

Jim



-- 
Jim Ialeggio
jim at grandpianosolutions.com
(978) 425-9026
Shirley, MA
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