Soundboard Failure

[Ron Nossaman]

>I've just had a look at a very small console (shortest little jacks
>i've ever seen). The ribs have seperated from the soundboard at the
>top end of the ribs, causing bad vibrations and distortions. I am
>familiar with rib regluing procedures, but this is the worst i've
>seen. The ribs run vertical, not angled, and at the worst point at the
>top centre of the soundboard, there is a gap of 10mm between rib and
>board.

Which means, if the ribs are mortised into the liner, that the panel is 
loose from the liner too.


>Do i try to clamp this up to reglue? Has the soundboard warped this
>much? Am i wasting my time? Is this piano doomed?
>
>The piano is about 60 years old and basically not worth anything, but
>if i can fix it, it will make someboby happy. Should i have a go?
>
>Scott Jackson
>Jurjens Pianos
>Wollongong Australia

It's been a while since I did one of these, but it can probably be helped. 
JCS described the sheet rock screw clamping system, which works fine.  I'd 
recommend turning the piano over on it's top to make it easier to get to 
the repair, and have gravity helping keep the glue where you want it along 
the liner as well as the ribs. It's an easy fix, as these things go.

Go ahead. Make someone happy.

Ron N