If I were Del, I would patent his "soundboard springs". On the other hand I don't think it could be manufactured unless a maker was to intall it as original equipment. Maybe though you could sell it as a "kit". The idea of springs supporting a soundboard sounds enticing, I do not think ( imagine) the springs would work as a damper, or not as much as a wine bottle cork. That used to be a common (meant both ways) repair for "flat sb and to get rid of buzzes long enough for the check to clear. If Del says he got an improvement using valve springs, that is enough for me to give it a try. I have an immediate use for them if they will work for a bass bridge with low bearing. Who knows, perhaps the springs will act like the "sound post" (is that the right word?) in violins. ---ric ---------- > From: Delwin D Fandrich <pianobuilders@olynet.com> > To: pianotech@ptg.org > try the soundboard spring idea. These go directly behind the bridge. > My most successful procedure -- and the least complicated, overall -- was to > install a few blocks to the sides of the backposts centered right over the > bridge. You'll want about 4 to 6 of them spaced along the length of the > tenor bridge and one or two behind the bass bridge. ---------- From: Delwin D Fandrich <pianobuilders@olynet.com> To: pianotech@ptg.org Subject: Re: Baldwin 6000 full size upright Date: Thursday, December 02, 1999 11:21 PM .. Baldwin calls it a "Tone-Extender." Mr Conklin was actually able to get a patent on the device, though I surely don't know how. Similar ideas have been used on pianos dating back at least to the late 1800's. That's called prior art and it should have precluded the issuance of the patent, but it didn't. It would be a pretty tough one to defend, however. -- ddf
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