<HTML>     Call me naive, but the more we learn about the possibilit= ies and limits of piano design, the more we may be able to bear some small a= mount of influence upon those who [produce pianos, and we might educate thos= e who purchase pianos to discriminate between well engineered instruments an= d those that are mired in tradition.     Among the local shops I have peeked into, hung around, learned = from, and stolen ideas from is one that specializes in remanufacturing piano= s with rib-crowned boards.  They would, in my estimation, convince even= the most reactionary stalwart with the results of their efforts. Please kee= p this discussion alive, as there seem to be many cobwebs to be dusted off, = and much light to be introduced.  Dan Dannenfelser Sacramento, CA "Almost RPT"  (Tests passed, paperwork in process) </HTML>