Happy Humpday....Triviola Time

2/15/06, 2:33 PM #1

Thomas Skaggs
Guest

Happy Humpday....Triviola Time

The soundboard in a piano is critical in the creation of sound in a piano. What wood is the soundboard made of in a Steinway concert piano?

Tommy

Re: Happy Humpday....Triviola Time

2/15/06, 3:48 PM #2

Gary Camp (Bend, Or.)
Guest

WAG time

I met one of Steinway's former Chief Concert Technicians (Franz Moher, he wrote / co-wrote an interesting book, My life with the great pianists). I had the opportunity to chat with him for a while so I should remember this, but I don't so I will guess here. The wood is the same as the big plane wasn't really made of?

glc

Re: Happy Humpday....Triviola Time

2/15/06, 3:52 PM #3

Dan Donaldson
Member
Offline
5,264 posts

Registered: 9/17/01

Re: Happy Humpday....Triviola Time

I am going to guess Spruce.

- - -

I have been woodworking for about 25 years now, and would consider myself an enthusiastic amateur. My claim to fame (or infamy) has always been fixing stuff. I spent time in the Air Force in the 60's then went to work as an electronic technician for civil service. I finally got my EE, and being fed up with the civil service nonsense, took a job with Ford Motor Company until I went with the split to Visteon last year. I got interested in music and started playing in a bluegrass band. I wanted a new guitar, and that kind of led me into woodworking. I bought some books, a few tools, and built a guitar. Luckily, I didn't know any better than to try that as a first ever project. I still play it when I get a chance, so it must not be too bad if it can live for over 20 years. After a stint in Mexico for my job, I moved into a new house and built a small shop. Since then I have been collecting tools and skills, probably more of the former than the latter ;-). Finding this site has done more for my skills and enjoyment than anything else. I have learned a lot and really enjoy the friendships that I have made here. I have been married to LOML (Lori) for 32 years now and have 6 kids. When they are all gone, I want to get a 1 bedroom house (so there is not room for them to move back in) and at least a 6 car heated/air conditioned garage for a shop. (Dream on...)

Re: Happy Humpday....Triviola Time

2/15/06, 4:01 PM #4

Bill Earl
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948 posts

Registered: 6/17/05

Re: Happy Humpday....Triviola Time

We recently bought a piano from a piano restorer in town. According to him, spruce is the soundboard material of choice for most piano manufacturers. But Steinway is especially particular about the quality. It has to be quarter sawn, and it must have a certain number of rings-per-inch.

Re: Happy Humpday....Triviola Time

2/15/06, 4:55 PM #5

Thomas Skaggs
Guest

Well, that didn't take long!

Yep, the answer is spruce....much like guitar tops I would imagine. Bill is correct though...for Steinway not just any spruce will do.

Tommy

Happy Humpday....Triviola Time

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