soundwaves (the behavior of soundboards)

[Ron Nossaman]

>Here goes, jumping in at the middle again!
>
>Robin Hufferd wrote:
>Had this been the case then even a relatively light pressure upon the
>bridge should immediately reduce the loudness of the sound emanating from 
>the soundboard as it does with the flexing part of the fork and a variable 
>pressure would introduce variable volumes in the sound.  This is plainly not 
>the case. It is the case, however, that pressure upon the stem and base of 
>the fork does not eliminate the sound; and this is  precisely what occurs 
>when pressure is applied to the bridge.
>
>
>Just to test the theory, I took out my trusty fork and gave it a listen.  
>Next, walked over to the big, heavy bench with the big, heavy vise.  Clamped 
>it down good by the "non vibrating" end and struck it again.  Hmmmmm...... 
>very quiet this time.  Maybe no matter how tightly you clamp the fork in a 
>fleshy, nonrigid finger, you can't hear a difference.  Yet clamped in a much 
>more rigid system, there is an obvious difference.  In much the same way, a 
>strung piano soudboard/bridge assembly SEEMS to be rigid, yet allows 
>periodic motion (tone, as opposed to a hammer rap) to set the structure in 
>motion.  Does it take a lot of energy?  Nope, that's why pianos work.
>
>Ron Koval

Ron,
Shame on you for presenting insightful and meaningful observations. What
can you possibly be thinking?
Ron N