As an amateur guitar builder for the last 19 years, I know a little about soundboards. I'm sure some of what I have learned applies as well to piano soundboards. For example, some of the best sounding guitars have a slightly arched top. The arch is created by gluing arched braces to a flat plate of wood. In all my experience with guitars, I have never heard a guitar with a laminated top which sounded as good as one of the same quality (otherwise) with a solid wood top. I am curious about one thing though. High quality arch top guitars (i.e. DeAngelico, Bennedetto, etc.) always have a carved top (rather than heat pressed laminate). The arched top gives the guitar more volume and projection, when compared to a "flat top". So, is it possible that a piano soundboard with a carved crown might sound better than an otherwise equal piano with a molded or atmospheric crowned soundboard? Has anyone ever tried it? Tom Robinson East Tennessee - just curious.......
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