Bass bridge question

[Delwin D Fandrich]

----- Original Message -----
From: "Overs Pianos" <sec@overspianos.com.au>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: January 24, 2001 12:44 AM
Subject: Re: Bass bridge question


> Samuel Wolfenden wrote about the idea of designing scales with
> increased spacing between adjacent notes in the strike scale. He also
> constructed prototype instruments to investigate it, concluding that
> there was no benefit. I have long held the view that the same would
> apply to unnecessary flare in the bass scale at the bass bridge also.

Thanks. I either missed that or forgot it. Could be either.



> One possible benefit might be had where a piano exhibited a lower
> than desirable impedance on the bass bridge at the cross. A greater
> flare here would place the end of the bass bridge closer to the rim
> on the bent side, eg. the Welmar 6'0" grand suffers from a poor
> impedance match at the cross-over, as do some of the Boston grands,
> with a very wide belly across the back end. Flaring the bridge layout
> would place note C#29 (the last note in the bass in the case of the
> Welmar) closer to the rim, thereby raising the 'board impedance to a
> more acceptable level. Of course, a more sensible solution might be
> to redesign the piano with a narrower belly at the bass end. The
> instrument might be less costly in materials, yet better in
> performance.

Yes, but then you would have that big soundboard to amplify the sound from
the strings.

Del