Pianotech

  • 1.  Soundboard/Rib Clamps

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-03-2020 20:24
    I need to secure the soundboard to the ribs on an old upright piano. I haven’t done this for. many years. All of the strings are removed so the board is accessible. What clamping system do you recommend? Thanks.

    All the best,
    Steve
    Sent from my iPhone


  • 2.  RE: Soundboard/Rib Clamps

    Posted 05-03-2020 20:53
    None.

    Instead, strip the board, kerf 1/4" along board and rib joint with a 90 deg bit in a multi-tool, the entire length of the rib, both sides of rib. Reglue the entire length of rib, to new wood with epoxy in the kerf. It works well, and results in a board with structure.

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    Jim Ialeggio
    grandpianosolutions.com
    Shirley, MA
    978 425-9026
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  • 3.  RE: Soundboard/Rib Clamps

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-04-2020 08:29
    Jim,

    I know you know what you're talking about here but I cannot visualize it. A pic would be worth many thousands of words...☺

    Pwg

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    Peter Grey
    Stratham NH
    603-686-2395
    pianodoctor57@gmail.com
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  • 4.  RE: Soundboard/Rib Clamps

    Posted 05-04-2020 08:44
    We made a fillet along the length of the kerf, but that's really not necessary. You can't see the kerf at this point, but its just the thickness of the 90 deg multi-tool blade x 1/4" deep between rib and board.  The thing is to get that rib re-glued along 100% of both sides of the rib.
    The fillet is the radiused epoxy spreading out from the rib a little. It would work just with the 1/4" deep kerf filled with epoxy, no fillet.

    This did not take long. Stripped with smart strip, which pulled of the original finish with very little work. This was an 40's horribly built no-name. It came out sounding way better than it had any right to sound, and there actually was some sustain.  We did not apply any epoxy to the panel itself. Just shellaced at and flipped it back over. 



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    Jim Ialeggio
    grandpianosolutions.com
    Shirley, MA
    978 425-9026
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