<html> <body> Terry, Never take marketing speak seriously. Don Mannino At 06:05 PM 1/27/2004, you wrote: <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite>From the Kawai US web site - enjoy!   The Drying/Re-Moisturizing Process. Kawai employs an inventive method to create a permanent soundboard crown. The process begins as the soundboard is literally "shrunk" using a super-drying process which removes moisture to a level below 5% Equilibrium Moisture Content (EMC). While the soundboard's size is reduced, flat ribs with normal moisture content (6-8% EMC) are carefully glued to the top of the soundboard. As it gradually begins to receive moisture, the soundboard expands to its original size... but the non-expanding ribs force the creation of a natural curvature which becomes the soundboard crown. Full Length Ribs. Kawai's spruce ribs span the full length of the soundboard. Kawai engineers have devised a technique for strategically placing ribs in order to direct sound energy to the most responsive areas of the soundboard. This helps balance bass and treble and enhances both power and tone quality. Permanent crown? How long is permanent? Strategically placed ribs? Direct sound energy? Terry Farrell</blockquote></body> </html>