[pianotech] YC Capo Bars

[Roger Gable]

Ron & Will,
Well, I think we're unknowingly talking about two different things -- a 
laminated bridge verses a laminated cap. The lousy pianos I'm referring to 
have laminated bridges -- laminated entirely from top to bottom. Is there a 
top quality piano using laminated bridges? I think not. Help me here. I 
would think that a progressive manufacturer like Yamaha would have 
incorporated laminated bridges if it didn't deflect from the quality level 
they've already established. Correct me if I'm wrong. Also, I thought that 
the high production manufacturers machined the notching rather than hand 
notch. If machined, then it wouldn't make any difference if the cap (or 
bridge) is laminated or solid.
Roger Gable

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Ron Nossaman" <rnossaman at cox.net>
To: <pianotech at ptg.org>
Sent: Sunday, September 19, 2010 5:31 PM
Subject: Re: [pianotech] YC Capo Bars


> On 9/19/2010 6:57 PM, Roger Gable wrote:
>> Ron,
>> Yes, you're correct to pick up my association of bad sound to lousy
>> pianos. Let's digress a little. Why do some manufacturers laminate and
>> others not. Lamination provides for a better string termination because
>> of the grain orientation and is, by far, easier to manufacture, but why
>> hasn't there been a ground swell toward the laminated bridge?
>> Roger Gable
>
>
> The grain orientation is a non issue in a laminated cap. You're making 
> what amounts to a fiber reinforced plastic bridge cap. The hardness and 
> density is what does the job. Laminated caps are both more difficult and 
> expensive to build, and harder to notch than solid wood caps. That, I 
> presume, is why so few manufacturers are using them. That, and the 
> presumption of the techs out in the field that they are inferior because 
> they haven't heard one in a decent piano.
>
> Ron N
>