Hi Greg This is another one of those subjects that actually is quite fascinating if we allow it to be so. I am reminded of a three way discussion a few years back between Andre, Del and myself in which Del stated outright that an old panel carefully removed and de-ribbed would sound and perform much like a new panel if put together in an RC & S fashion. This position was adjusted slightly to "it would sound and perform just as well" or something to the affect I believe. Whatever compression damage the wood has, evidently does not prevent it from being used successfully as an RC & S panel. Andre reacted a bit mentioning that his ears told him a brand new panel would have a different kind of life...which Del agreed and I had to wonder about a couple what seem like self contradictory statements built into the argumentation. All that aside... I think we all agreed in the end that the "old wood" RC & S constructed panel would sound and perform nicely for many many years. And it would have a character distinctive because the wood was old... and exposed to years of compression set / damage if you will. And if we accept that for what it is... then we are in a world of "differences" and not one of "better or worse". The old panel can sound and perform just as well... but with a voice of its own. To what degree it can be used as a compression reliant board is... well somewhat related I guess.... but another question. Cheers RicB Thump and others, Since we're all asking for proofs and hard facts here in the finer points and minutia of soundboard technology would you please expound on why you feel that the old wood of the existing soundboard is more resonant than the new? It seems that if you're going to persist in this line of thinking then you must have good reasons for it, or is it just speculation? I myself am in the opposite camp wherein I believe that there is cellular destruction of the old wood and therefore due for replacement. My reasons follow that of which we've heard for years now on this list. This of course is assuming a CC board assembly. Your thoughts? Greg Newell Greg's Piano Forté www.gregspianoforte.com 216-226-3791 (office) 216-470-8634 (mobile)
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