Pianotech

  • 1.  Soundboard Moisture Experiment

    Posted 02-01-2020 01:35

    If you would like to participate in my next experiment, then here's what i'm working on.

    I have made a couple dozen of these little miniature piano rims. I will be placing the soundboard samples in them at various moisture levels, and then will record what happens over time.
    For example, pictured is the first test sample, the rib was glued on the soundboard on a flat bench at 11% moisture content and shortly glued onto the rim. I will be interested to see what happens when the winter dryness comes.
    I'm also thinking of having electron micrographs made along the way.
    Anyway, if you have any suggestions that you'd like to see in these experiments, let me know.
    -chris



    ------------------------------
    If it's pinging, it's not singing, it's just ringing,
    chernobieffpiano.com
    grandpianoman@protonmail.com
    Knoxville, TN
    865-986-7720
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Soundboard Moisture Experiment

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 02-01-2020 18:46
    Well, if you want some real-world examples, glue up a couple of boards with the grain angles deviating from vertical by 30+ degrees. As in "/////|\\\\\." Dry them to 4.0% MC, glue the ribs on and expose them to an environment of 60% to 80% RH. Let them sit in this environment for a few weeks/months and then cycle the MC down to 20% RH. Cycle a few times and then pick the pieces up off of the floor.

    Oh, yes, and along the way you should be able to get some really nice picture of compression ridges developing. Right at the glue joint.

    ddf





  • 3.  RE: Soundboard Moisture Experiment

    Posted 02-01-2020 19:24
    Well Thank you for your suggestions. I will be doing real world examples as well as other variables. Such as 0%. I will be taking electron micrographs at various stages of the cycles.

    ------------------------------
    If it's pinging, it's not singing, it's just ringing,
    chernobieffpiano.com
    grandpianoman@protonmail.com
    Knoxville, TN
    865-986-7720
    ------------------------------