The finite life of wood grain

[Richard Brekne]

The whole problem with this <<soundboards die>> thing is first and 
foremost the fact that there are way too many undead old soundboards 
around. This goes for all types of soundboard constructions. 

Wood that is subjected to seasonal climate changes that are sufficiently 
large is going to deteriorate no matter what the application. Wood that 
is in stable enough conditions will last a very long time indeed. We see 
many 100 year old instruments, particularly Steinways that have very 
fine functioning soundboards. Full of life and punch, no so-called 
killer octave, lovely response and lots of projection power.

The compression damage argument when matched up with the basic RC&S 
philosophy gets shot in its foot.  A panel may indeed be very much 
reduced in size cross grain compared to its original size due to 
permanent compression set,  but when you dont rely on compression to 
begin with to build a panel.. then this fact is by definition a plus. 
Nothing about the permanent compression set inhibits the panel from 
being re-used thus.  Only folks willingness to re-process an old 
soundboard does.  I can refer to a discussion on the matter where Delwin 
Fandrich himself says exactly this in an exchange between André, myself, 
and Del about 8 years ago now.

There is also the subject of how well wood is seasoned before taken into 
use. There are many 3-400 year old houses around here. Small houses made 
completely of wood.  Mite damage is really the major problem. But those 
that escaped that and were otherwise taken reasonably good care of are 
in very fine shape. I have on the other hand 20 year old siding on my 
300 year old house that has developed wood rot in several places.  I've 
re-painted every 3 years, done all the stuff you are supposed to do but 
the stuff just cant match siding that was / is on houses that is from 
the turn of the last century.  We see newer wood constructed houses 
(from the 60's onwards) developing serious structural problems all the 
time around here.

Cheers
RicB



    This is a curious question directed toward Dale Erwin and other
    soundboard people.

    Would it be fair to say that the majority of soundboards die after,
    say, 80 to 100 years?  If that's true, then what's the major reason?
    Is it climate, or the simple fact that the board has been under
    pressure, or both of the the above?

    Also, this "death" is at the cellular / granular level, right? So
    then "re-crowning" would be about as useful as putting new chrome on
    a car with a destroyed chassis, eh?

    (Sorry if this is a dead horse already thoroughly beaten.)

    Thanks, and thank you again, Dale, for a great talk in Chicago.
    David

    David B. Stang
    Columbus Ohio