<HTML>Dear Dale, Our requirements for the width of the pieces of wood to make a Panel are 3" minimum & 6 " maximum.  There have been fears of the extra wide pieces   "moving" , but we have not found this to be the case. We do not want vertical grain angle tobe under 60degrees.  We believe in the standard 90 degree princi- pal in transmission of energy. We specify reversal of direction of long grain both in the pieces of a panel & also in the Ribs.  We use low density wood in the Bass end & high density wood in the Treble end. We do not believe in diaphram Panel tapering. Most important is the inside Panel taper must be aligned with the start of the Rib flare.  We build Soundboards for long sustain in homes & short projection & long projection & short sustain in large spaces such as halls. Of course, all of this is subject to how high or low the tension loading is. A number of years ago we built an old 1887 Steinway that had low tension scale & The sound that came off that piano was fabulous. It was A-440.  When you played, you could hear the "3rd's" & 6th's roll off the Board like a bunch of marbles rolling & the vibrations & resonance when you played went up your hands & arms.  It was uncanny!  There are many mysteries  in this craft & it helps to keep us alive.  One of the most knowledgeable people about piano design & construction is Del Fandrich.   Well, Dale, talk to you later. Willis, David Snyder </HTML>