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Soundboards
The Soundboard is vital to the beautiful tone of the piano. Several different materials are used by different manufacturers to make soundboards. The soundboard acts like the head of a drum and when it picks up the vibrations of the strings through the cast iron plate it resonates and magnifies the sound that is produced. The soundboard, like a fine wine, can improve with age, and can often perform quite well even after many years. But there is a point in the aging of a soundboard when it loses the qualities that give the piano it's best sound. Some factors that can contribute to early loss of functionality are high humidity, extremely dry conditions and extreme temperature and humidity fluctuations. Locating a piano near a window or fireplace can cause these conditions. It is a common misperception that a small crack means that a soundboard is finished. The truth is that the soundboard must have the proper tension or crown to resonate properly. As long as the crack does not interfere with the tension it is often not anything to be concerned about. Sometimes cracks can be repaired. If the crown and tension are lost it is necessary to replace the soundboard. This is a fairly expensive process and is not right for all pianos. In order to replace the soundboard all of the strings, the plate and the pinblock must be removed - so this job should only be considered in conjunction with a total rebuild in which the pinblock and strings will be replaced and the plate refinished. A rebuild of this caliber should only be performed by a knowledgeable and experienced technician - but it can effectively double the expected, useful life span of a valuable instrument. Daniel Sittig of Penn Piano has over 25 years of piano restoration experience. Post restoration value and sentimental attachment should be considered when deciding how much to invest into the restoration of a piano. If your piano is no longer sounding it's best- consult your technician for options. Key Benefits
To schedule your appointment call 724-266-5497 or email dan@pennpiano.com
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Send mail to lisa@pennpiano.com with
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