ANATOMY OF A PIANO
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SOUNDBOARD
The soundboard is often referred to as the heart of the piano as it converts the vibrations of the strings into what becomes the piano’s tone.
It is universally accepted that spruce is the best material for the soundboard, but just as trees vary in structure, not all pieces of spruce are created equal. The quality can vary greatly with grain direction, straightness and tightness making a major contribution to the tone of the finished piano. The physical properties are such that a long, even grain on a solid spruce soundboard will transmit and amplify the best - and this high grade wood will also attract a premium in price.
Different manufacturers use different grades of spruce and this influences the price of their finished product and
the tone of the instrument. Some manufacturers utilise the even cheaper option of a laminated soundboard, but
the grain ends up running in different directions and the sound is compromised.
Another feature of a soundboard that affects both the price and the tone is the shape. A precisely tapered soundboard will vibrate more freely, creating and projecting a bigger sound than a uniformly thick one. |
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