Negative crown

[Delwin D Fandrich]

Steve Pearson wrote:

> This is an intriguing question.  While one must acknowledge there is a difference between a soundboard which has reverse crown by design, like some of the Rippens of a few years back, and those which suffered a collapse.  I regularly serviced a  Rippen vertical with a Herrburger-Brooks action and a gorgeous case a few years back.  I was startled to note that it had a reverse crowned soundboard, by design.  It sounded very well, was extremely stable, and had long, singing sustain.

I agree with you, at least for the most part, about the Rippen verticals.  We sold them for a while in the early 70's.  I was also surprised to find the reverse crown in the soundboards.  It did work fairly well, although I suspect that the tuning stability was more the result of their having laminated soundboards than from any effect the reverse curve may have contributed.


> I also saw a 5'6" (if memory serves) Rippen Grand bearing the Lyon & Healy name, also with a reverse-crown board at NAMM a few years back.  While not extraordinary,  it had a good tone and sustain, and the factory rep claimed the tuning stability was better than average.  The Rippen company has, alas, gone on to the final arpeggio in the sky, but a few of these critters survive.
> Anyone else had experience with them?
> Steve

I can't agree with you at all about the grand, however.  I looked at the "Lyon & Healy/Rippen" grand as well.  (If memory serves, the rim, including case parts, and the plate were actually built by Samick.  Or, if not Samick, then by some other Korean builder.)  But I was quite unimpressed with it.  I found the tone weak and erratic.  Especially the lower end.  I was not at all surprised to find that it was unsuccessful.  I did not attribute this lack of performance to the reverse crown board, however.  A lot of factors were involved.

And, yes.  It is unfortunate that the Rippen company no longer exists.  They built some really nice and highly innovative pianos.

Regards,

Del