No downbearing ?

[Delwin D Fandrich]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Isaac sur Noos" <oleg-i@noos.fr>
To: "Pianotech" <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: January 03, 2004 4:40 PM
Subject: RE: No downbearing ?


> My understanding is that crowned ribs where used on most brands at the
> beginning of the last century, so called compression crowning being a
> relatively modern method (no rea date but been said the 60's)
>
> All old Erard and Pleyel that have crown and even lots of apparent
> downbearing (like the 18587 Erard I just worked on) where of course
> then rib crowned.


History seems to be vague on this question. Compression-crowning was
popular by at least the late 1800s. I don't know how pianos will be built
in 18587...or if they will they still be around? And, if so, will we have
managed to move beyond wood actions and hockey stick bridges?

Del