Given the area of the ridge compared to the area of the panel itself... I would think this would be negligible. On the other hand the total compression set in the panel itself such a ridge would be indicative of would no doubt have an impact on the sound. As I understand it, that is one of the main points. Compression builders insist that the presence of compression in the panel has an impact on the sound that they want. And the majority of the information I've read on the subject matter certainly supports the idea that compression in a panel will have an impact on the sound. Whether one likes that impact or not is another matter. If the panel looses support against crown in an area for whatever reasons... and I'll most certainly buy that this could be related to a compression spawned weakness... but not necessarilly so... then you have a problem for sure. Otherwise I'd suppose that their impact is on the order of a crack... not much. And again... listening to hundreds of instruments that have ridges tends to support that stance. And btw... I do not agree with the statement that such panels find their support soley from the compression of the panel itself. I understand the reasoning... and like very many others dont see it that way. Cheers RicB Not exactly. While there are no "compression ridge" or "crack" noises as such, it's not quite true that they do nothing or mean nothing for the sound of the instrument. That they exist indicates a weakening of the soundboard spring which was supported by nothing more than the compression of the panel. The weakening of that spring does have implications for tone. Moreover, they have implications for the tonal stability of the system over time. David Love davidlovepianos at comcast.net www.davidlovepianos.com
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