[pianotech] Steinway Soundboard Question

[erwinspiano at aol.com]

 Hi Dave, Steven, Ed... all




     OK...If folks are going to use, rent or except Steinways it must be understood that they are a compression crowned board. Frankly... the ones that have a few healthy compression ridges are the ones that sound the best. The statement that "by design the soundboard is under compression and it is a vital component in producing the tone."  This is a true statement and this method works gloriously well... sometimes for a good long while and though I don't prescribe or endorse the method this subject has plenty of press here as if it is some kind of unexpected condition that demands outrage. We need to get over it. This is the way they'll do it till the doors close. 
 Read Ed Foots advice and check crown & bearing. Then ask yourself, do I like the way this piano sound or can it benefit from the usual basic piano technician skills..ie Voicing,solid tuning,reg. etc. If the answer to all that is yes then enjoy a free piano! and....
Whistle a happy tune
  Dale





Steven:
 
I’m sure what you have there are called “compression ridges”.  According to the Steinway Technical Reference Manuel:
 
“Compression ridges are in no way considered by Steinway to be a concern as to the piano’s
performance or a defect in the craftsmanship of the instrument. In fact, the presence of such ridging
is a result of a well-seasoned and properly designed and installed board as it adapts to certain
environments and climate conditions. By design the Steinway soundboard is under compression
and tightly fit to the rim of the piano. This system of compression is a key component in producing
the richness and beauty of the Steinway tone. As a result, compression ridging can occur as the
piano becomes acclimated to or changes with its environment and the soundboard absorbs moisture.
This ridging does not mean that the board is cracked. The opposite is true. The board is under
tension and functioning as it should. Also, if there is no separation between the board and the ribs
under the board this is an indication that both board and ribs are functioning as a homogeneous unit
producing the unique tone of the Steinway piano. This ridging is not something new to Steinway.
It has been documented and addressed in Steinway documentation since the late 1800s.”
 
Your opinion (and mine) might vary.  We have a couple of newer Steinways with these ridges.  According to what they have said above, I guess I should be disappointed that our other 38 Steinways don’t have them.  There’s nothing you can do about them.  When the board dries out and cracks open where the integrity of the wood has been compromised with the ridges. the 5 year warranty will have expired.
 
dave
 
 

 
David M. Porritt, RPT
dporritt at smu.edu

 

From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of Steven Hopp
Sent: Monday, February 01, 2010 3:29 PM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: [pianotech] Steinway Soundboard Question

 
 
A new Steinway D has been gifted to our local college.  It is "newish".  Serial #581649.  It came from a dealer who was using it as a rental but is in good shape.  Needs some regulation and voicing etc.  They were going to go to New York but wanted Marvin Hamlisch to inaugurate it next month and New York said it was unlikely they could get it to them by then.  Anyway, the head of the music dept. in his detailed post delivery inspection noticed that the soundboard has a few spots where the joints of the panel are not flush but raised ever so slightly.  Is this a problem or will it not effect the life of the instrument?
 
 
Thanks
 
Steven Hopp
Midland, TX

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