Sound waves(The behavior of soundboards)

[Overs Pianos]

>In the meantime, please tell me Richard, why Sitka spruce is so 
>highly regarded as a sounboard wood and why Douglas fir would not be 
>better.
>
>JD

Because Sitka has the highest modulus of elasticity, relative to its 
density, of any of the spruces. This is why it was also the preferred 
spruce for aircraft construction.

Interestingly, when used for aircraft construction it was recommended 
that the drying kilns not be run over 60 degress C, otherwise, it was 
claimed that the strength of the seasoned product would be 
compromised for use in an aeronautical application.

This has always made me wonder just how much potentially good Sitka 
has been seasoned at over 60 degress C for piano sound boards. Could 
this be a causal agent of sound board degradation in some of those 
failed boards which appear to be made of good material? What about 
boards which are cured with microwaves, how hot do they get during 
the cure?

Ron O.
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        OVERS PIANOS
Grand piano manufacturers
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Web:   http://www.overspianos.com.au
Email: mailto:ron@overspianos.com.au
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