[pianotech] Bluthner soundboard problem?

[David Boyce]

Hi Brian,

Good points, thanks.  I did check the bridges (not capped) as well as 
the bridge pins - they seem solid to the soundboard.  I didn't make that 
thorough an inspection of the ribs, so I may do that, to see if there is 
any looseness either side of the hairline cracks.  I checked for loose 
objects on the soundboard, but didn't find anything.

Thanks for those suggestions!  The effect is subtle, but definitely 
there, and now that my customer has heard it, he can't ignore it!

Best regards,

David Boyce.

> Hi David,
>  
> A few things come to mind when I read your descriptions.
>  
> I don't know if it's impossible to hear what you describe strictly 
> from a crack or cracks in the soundboard panel but I haven't heard 
> things like that myself.
>  
> What I have heard are various noises / buzzes / rattles when the 
> soundboard came loose from one or more ribs, many times on either or 
> both sides of that soundboard crack or cracks.  Also, soundboards can 
> and do come loose from around the rim and can make some interesting 
> noises when they do.  I've also seen bridges come loose, bridge caps 
> come loose, trapwork parts and even a few case parts make some pretty 
> "feathery" noises that really gave a challenge finding.  Now wouldn't 
> you just HATE it if you found out someone dropped a paper clip onto 
> the soundboard through one of those little holes?  LOL!!
>  
> I'm sure others with more current experience may have more to add.
>  
> Best of luck.
>  
> Brian