downbearing - new Mason & Hamlin A

[PianoGuru@AOL.COM]

Hi Pianotech folks,

I sign on to this list occasionally, but don't stay around long.  Frankly, I 
do not have time to sort through such a busy list, with so much chit-chat 
(often off-topic).  Still, I want to stay in touch, so I sign on once in a 
while.  To those who don't recognize my outrageous screen name, I am Frank 
Emerson, engineer for Mason & Hamlin, and formerly Dir. of R & D at Baldwin.  
I have been lurking for a while, but I cannot help but jump into this thread 
with both feet.

Ron Nossaman wrote: 
<<  I don't get new M&H in this area, so I  don't know if the company 
believes in soundboard problems or not. >>
We most certainly do.  We take two samples from every soundboard 
as it is installed.  I, personally, measure and record the EMC of each 
sample.  I know of no other manufacturer who monitors the EMC of each and 
every soundboard.  When we find the moisture content drifting one way or the 
other, we make adjustments, as needed, based on daily monitoring of the 
samples.  We have humidity controls throughout the factory, but not as dry as 
we require for the soundboard conditioning room.  From the time work begins 
on a soundboard until it is glued into the rim, it is returned to the 
conditioning room, when not being worked on.   I will do my part to resolve 
the problem, but we must follow the proper protocol, and with good reason.

To my friends in Indianapolis and Grandville, MI, I will see you next week.

Frank Emerson