As with anything in the piano world, this piece has many names (even within the same company)
Steinway patent 180,671 (8/1/1876) calls it a "Binding Bar"
Steinway's current engineering documents call it a "Soundboard Reinforcing Strip"
I've heard it referred to verbally as the "Treble Support Piece"
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Daniel DeBiasio
Technical Education & Support
ddebiasio@steinway.com718-267-3229
Steinway & Sons
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-08-2026 22:28
From: Tim Foster
Subject: What's this called? Can it be improved?
Hello,
What's the name of this wood at the top of many pianos? To my knowledge (which may very well be lacking) it helps reflect the sound back over this very short segment of soundboard to help the top notes project a little better. Is this correct?
If so, would there be any reason not to extend one a little higher toward the strings on a rebuild, possibly tapering a little lower toward the dampers to help transition? I've noticed that on some older pianos, this region doesn't quite project like Yamahas and Kawais for example, which generally have incredible 7th octaves IMO. I want to have an option for creating a little more "sparkle" without only depending on light hammers and upper/lower duplex scales, especially if the piano seems weak in this area prior to tear down.
Any thoughts on this would be appreciated. Thanks!
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Tim Foster RPT
New Oxford PA
(470) 231-6074
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