<HTML><HEAD> <META http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=windows-1251"> <META content="MSHTML 6.00.2715.400" name=GENERATOR></HEAD> <BODY> <P><FONT face="MS Sans Serif" size=2> <DIV>Back to the undercutting on the bridge for a moment.  I notice that the degree of undercut varies from piano to piano.  On a Steinway M, for example, the undercut is quite minimal.  On 1920 Knabe that I have in the shop at the moment, the undercutting is quite pronounced.  </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Hypothetical question, if you were replacing the soundboard on a Steinway M or other such instrument with minimal undercutting, and using the original bridge root (new cap), would you consider extending the undercut more than is presently there and would you expect to see improved results in that area?  Del mentioned that he extends the undercut to a line directly under the front bridge pins.  Are there situations in which you would not extend it that far?  Is there an overriding minimum width that must exist at the foot of the bridge for structural reasons?  Do you need to be more cautious when enhancing the undercut that the downbearing is divided more evenly between front and rear (rather than favoiring the front slightly) to keep the pressure more vertical through the bridge to the board?  Any other considerations?</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Thanks in advance.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>David Love</DIV> <DIV><A href="mailto:davidlovepianos@earthlink.net">davidlovepianos@earthlink.net</A></DIV> <DIV> </DIV></FONT> <P></P></BODY></HTML>