Soundboard backposts ??

[Delwin D Fandrich]

----- Original Message -----
From: Michael Jorgensen <Michael.Jorgensen@cmich.edu>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Monday, December 06, 1999 5:35 AM
Subject: Re: Soundboard backposts ??


> Delwin D Fandrich wrote:
>
> > ----- Original Message ----
> >
> > >      Have you ever considered using high pressure inflatable air tubes
for
> > the
> > > soundboard spring idea?
> >
>
> > Nope.  But, will they last 140 years or more -- as is expected from
every
> > part put in pianos?
> >
> >   -- ddf
>
> Well, -- 140 years does seem a mite long, but considering the abuses boat
> fenders stand up to, I'm not so sure.  Getting techs to keep them inflated
and
> musicians to accept them would be the harder obstacle.
> mj
> --------------------------------------------------

OK.  I confess, I was being a bit sarcastic.  But, I do tend to think our
expectations of piano longevity are somewhat unrealistic at times.

The main problem would be just what you mentioned -- assuming that the
notion actually worked, of course.  Market acceptance and keeping them
inflated.  None of the membrane materials that I am aware of are completely
air-tight.  They will leak over time.  And, short of actually fitting the
piano with an onboard air compressor and regulator, there would be no way of
ensuring that the bags would be inflated to the right amount of air pressure
at all times.

Still, I've read patent claims that sounded more far-fetched than this one.

Regards,

Del