Gravalla Tension regulator

[ricb at pianostemmer.no]

Sorry about the mispelling of the name... but I have a question I
need some advice on about this device.

I was looking at how this thing was going to fit into a Hamburg C
this morning and found that the only placement that would allow for a
flush fit for both flanges would require that I remove a small 1 inch
wide piece of wood that runs from the joint between the rim and the
belly rail.  I suppose this thing is meant to have some small
stiffening affect... tho really its dimensions are so small I have to
wonder if it has any real affect.  That said... I am of course
hesitant to just yank it out of there.  

The other thing is that the belly rail on this Hamburg C looks
actually quite massive. And I am wondering if the tension device
would really be needed / make any real difference if installed. 
Anyone have any relevant experience they would share with me ?.

This piano is a nice sounding thing ... no killer octave problems or
the like... but I cant say it exactly sizzles with vibrancity
either... hence I thought it might be fun to try this.

What say ye ?

RicB