>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. -- OVERS PIANOS Grand piano manufacturers ________________________ Web: http://www.overspianos.com.au Email: mailto:ron@overspianos.com.au ________________________
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