[pianotech] Thubby Chipboard, was: Flagpoling

[Euphonious Thumpe]

Terry:
     Not that I'd know what it looks like in a piano case core, but I've never seen anything I'd identify as Chestnut. (But I'll get educated on this and "keep my eye out"!) Makes sense, though, that SOME Chestnut was used; as it has been said that when the Europeans first arrived here, a squirrel could travel from the Western shore of the Hudson to the Mississippi, without touching the ground, just by leaping through these arboreal giants!
     I have, of course, seen plenty of Ash, Maple, Oak and Mahogany, though.* And its worth noting that the inexpensive but cleverly designed Gulbransen pianos of the 1920's used a rock-maple core for the entire case; and many of them today still sound strong and good, while their more expensive counterparts, many built with other core woods, are quite tonally "dead". Whether based on scientific experimentation, a general knowledge of physics (which of course states that denser materials transmit vibrations more readily) or empirically gained wisdom, I suspect that the "builders of yore" chose these very dense woods*** partially because of their ability to transmit string vibrations back into the board most readily. (Even if they were --- please take note, Ron --- far behind modern experts such as yourself on some other important matters of construction.)*

Thumpe

*Sometimes intriguingly combined in the same post or rim. And by intent, I am sure!
**I've heard glowing reports on your re-designed pianos from those who've played them, and believe every word of their assessments.
***And perhaps that "something missing" that Dale has lamented over in the newer renditions of the very same models of famous makes is partially due to the fact that very old-growth, more tighly-grained hardwoods that are no longer available were previously used?
(Flame suit fully on!!!)
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