Soundboard rib question

[Ric Brekne]

Hi folks...

Despite knowing that the major rebuilders are probably not going to 
answer this because they dislike my foul rotten guts (for some 
mysterious reason... :) )  I will put this to the forum anyways, hoping 
to get some insights.

I have this first year production Bluthner straight strung that I am 
getting ready to pull the soundboard out of.  One of the options I am 
considering is to alter the ribbing system on this.  The instrument 
measures about 195 cm, and has only 6 ribs. These are not very 
substantial ribs at that... The ribs are wide and short and get taller 
in the middle and have a  _^ shape as opposed to a rounded shape..  28mm 
wide, 9mm tall along their sides, 14 mm tall in the center.   There is a 
long extra "rib" that runs roughly parallel to the bridge and crosses 
over the cross grain ribs as well.  It measures 55 mm wide and 15mm tall.

I suppose given the dimensions of the existing ribs this was a so called 
<<natural>> crowned board in its time (ie compression with flat ribs in 
a flat caul). My question is just how much beefing up of the system is 
advisable ?  I am assuming  the amount of downward force on the board 
was significantly less then present instruments have.  I want to try and 
keep close to the origional sound picture these instruments had but at 
the same time I want the thing to be structurally strengthened (if 
necessary) and try and create a bit cleaner treble then fortes I have 
heard typically have.

I could just pack the thing off to Bolduc and get a re-creation.... a 
nice easy option I suppose... but before I do that I wanted to hear what 
some of you think.

I will be greatfull for any replies.

Cheers
RicB