Epoxy on soundboards

[Dean May]

Andrew,

Do you epoxy one or both sides?

Thanks for the empirical report. Sure beats us pundits guessing.

Dean
Dean May             cell 812.239.3359
PianoRebuilders.com   812.235.5272
Terre Haute IN  47802

-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org]On Behalf
Of ANRPiano@aol.com
Sent: Wednesday, October 20, 2004 9:30 AM
To: Pianotech
Subject: RE: Epoxy on soundboards

David,

I have used this technique on over a dozen pianos so far, maybe almost two
dozen, I would have to go back and check my records.

Allow me to share my experience and my hardly scientific conclusions.  I am
not set up with the equipment or the know how to really investigate this
method in any scientific manner so take my observations with that big grain
of salt.

The first two pianos I applied epoxy to were a very small (maybe 4 1/2')
grand and a very old (1880's) upright of unknown vintage both with much
greater sentimental value than economic. I put on two thin coats of epoxy,
sanded smooth and finished normally.  The boards were dry to about 6% EMC.
The end result was very pleasing on two fronts:  1)the tonal output for both
pianos was much greater than I would have expected.  Having rebuilt
countless of these things without the epoxy I had certain expectations that
were modest compared to the result.  The other surprise was the tuning
stability.  Both pianos are more stable than I would have expected based
upon previous experience, they don't fluctuate nearly as much as one would
expect with the seasonal changes.

Based upon the above experience I have continued to apply epoxy to every
soundboard which doesn't get replaced and have see the same patterns emerge.

I have found also better results when the epoxy is applied when the board is
some what dry, in the +/- 6% EMC range.  As far as crown goes, we may gain a
small amount, but I will let my ears determine the success or failure first
befor I pull out my string.

So far I have not found a problem with this technique, so until something
comes up my plan is to contiune to use it.  So far I am happy with the
results.

I hope this helps.  Feel free to email me privately if you would like.

Andrew Remillard
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