On Friday, 23 Aug. 1996, John Hartman wrote: > What I find particularly absurd is the idea that ridges in soundboard > indicate superior wood handling and seasoning. Dear Mr. Hartman, It is to what degree of ridging in a Steinway soundboard that concerns me mostly, since to duplicate their processing methods, which deliver maximum tonal impact and output, it is to be expected to have wood joint compression. I am not in favor of excessive ridging but the act of crowning a soundboard with flat sugar pine ribs into a fifty-five foot radius caul at around percent 5% MC is going to result in joint compression. Also setting the downbearing by compressing the board will add to the ridging effects. The allowable amount in my opinion should not result in an earthquake fault or rib separation. I will combine my response to your article on building a better soundboard on this post so please excuse. I find the intent of the document informative and thank you for taking the time to send it out. I am sure you have earned undeniable success in the rebuilding business as I have but by using different approaches, and these differences I believe are healthy to continuing progress for the art, however I must take exception to your statements on the use of pre-made panels for board construction. Currently there are about four suppliers of panels which are acceptable and one I find that is exceptional. Andre Bolduc, RPT is manufacturing panels of the highest standards and in my experience are very well made and deliver no less and it is simply not fair to use this forum to possibly influence the general population into believing pre-made panels are unacceptable or inferior. To keep this post on a positive note your use of hide glue in panel construction and also varnish for finish are certainly the best choices. Fine Woodworking magazine did an analysis on moisture barrier properties and the results were varnish being substantially more protective than other coating types. Sincerely, Brent Fischer Brent.Fischer@ASU.EDU Arizona State University/Tempe
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