Dear Mr. Nossaman.....( Was, "Why wide, flat ribs.....? )

[gordon stelter]

Dear Mr. Nossaman,
     I am simply trying to ascertain why these 4
boards, which should be "crap" by the general
"consensus" on this list are, instead, the best
preserved ( tonally ) of any I've heard on pianos this
old. ( And I've heard hundreds. ) 
    My 3 previous inquiries reaped deafening silence.
It was only after I cited a revered authority that
someone ( you ) deemed it necessary to reveal that, in
fact, wide, shallow ribs CAN have rib-crowning. Until
then this feature was unanimously declared here as
indicative of "Strictly CC"  boards. 
   ( Thank you very much. )
    NOW, I am postulating that grain orientation was
an integral, intentional feature of this design. I am
incredulous regarding your assertion that a
quarter-sawn piece of wood will have the same
characteristics of elasticity and resistance to
compression set, whether the rings run parallel to the
board ( "Pancaked" ) or perpendicular ( "Vertical" ). 
     If the rings are parallel, their naturally 
compact cellular structure will be largely in a state
of tension due to soundboard crown, which I see as
conducive to elasticity in the rib, and resistance to
"compression set". ( Downbearing and vibration will
get them closer to their pre-crowned state of density,
but not beyond it. ) 
      If, on the other hand, the rings are vertical,
particularly if rib-crowning is cut into them, many
more cells will be in  compression, which may lead to
excessive stiffness and and earlier breakdown of the
system. ( Caused by compression set within the rib
itself ).
    What I am getting at is this: There is no question
in my mind that whoever built these boards  knew what
they were doing. All are from top manufacturers, and
all have stood up over time, in a horrid climate,
producing superlative tone. I am merely suggesting
that they intentionally aimed for "the best of all
possible worlds": wide, flat ribs of quartersawn
spruce with the anular rings parallel to the board
surface, for elasticity and longevity.... with some
rib-crowning, as well.
     There is nothing wrong with postulating here.
Sure, I'll take a good, close look at these things
when I have the time. But part of the List's utility
is that it provides an opportunity for those who have
already done the looking to speak up, and there,
unfortunately, are certain persons here who have
established a hegenomy of opinion which intimidates,
and thereby precludes others from venturing forth, for
fear of having their "Heads bit off", as you did to me
in your last. 
     All mysteries that have faced mankind,
individually and collectively, have first been
assigned  theoretical answers which empirical
investigations confirm or debunk. 
   I have presented an anomaly to the "List"
"consensus":  Four, shallow, wide ribbed pianos which
all sound like thunder after 100 years in a truly
lousy climate. I am merely seeking an explanation, and
appreciate what positive information you have
presented. I must confess, though, that I perceive
some irritation based more on the fact that I have
thrown a "monkey wrench" into the "accepted theory",
rather than that I have merely not "learned enough"
from what has been discussed before.

    Peace,
    Gordon


  .--- Ron Nossaman <rnossaman@cox.net> wrote:

> 
> > I'd love to, if I ever get the time. 
> 
> If you have an hour to dedicate to your education,
> you've got 
> the time. If not, you'll never know anyway.
> 
> 
> >I'm guessin' that
> > the intent of this rib design is to maximize
> support,
> > while retaining excellent elasticity, and that the
> > grain orientation has a  lot to do with it. 
> 
> Yes, that would indeed be guessing. The grain
> orientation has 
> virtually nothing to do with it, which you could
> find out for 
> yourself with minimal effort and sincere desire to
> know.
> 
> 
>   > P.S. If anyone out there wants to test this
> hypothesis
> > before I can, please feel free, and please report
> > back.
> 
> It's been done, and reported to the list, as has
> most of what 
> is eternally re-hashed here in perpetual mystery.
> Asking 
> questions and speculating randomly is always easier
> than 
> working something out for oneself and reaching one's
> own 
> conclusions based on the logical reality of what one
> finds, 
> and one gets the luxury of picking and choosing what
> one 
> wishes to believe as a matter of convenience rather
> than 
> considering what the cumulative evidence indicates.
> Life is 
> easier, it seems, with the proper filters.
> Ron N
> _______________________________________________
> Pianotech list info:
> https://www.moypiano.com/resources/#archives
> 


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