Belly rail crown - Why???

[David Andersen]

>    I rebuilt a Stwy B from the CD dept from the 1970s'. Awesome sounding 
>original board and at every place I could measure It was only .310 which 
>means it was also likely thinner at the perimeter and it was what looked like 
to 
>me that thin at the belly rail. No I didn't drill small holes at other 
>locations to check but These are the kinds of observations I think to be 
instructive 
>to me personally. Many things work. We all agree that rib crowning is a 
>superior method for longeveity but I've heard some amazing sounding 
compression 
>crowned boards that are not inferior tonally to my rib crowned boards. Makes 
>me scratch my head.
>        Dale Erwin

Yes, many head-scratchers involved in the Steinway saga.  This just 
proves that what Ursula LeGuin said is more true than ever:

"Endless are the arguments of mages."

What is the final arbiter of what sounds and feels good?  My ears.  My 
sensibilities.  The ears and sensibilities of world-class artists I know 
and trust.

Keep rockin', boys and girls........happy Turkey Day....David Andersen