Here are a few images of what is going on in the shop this week – building and installing new soundboards for a 6’ Christman baby grand and Steinway Model A. It is very precise and detailed work yet very enjoyable to work with the Sitka spruce and quarter-sawn rock maple. Forty years ago, I did very little of this work. Now just about every piano requires soundboard replacement simply because of age. The soundboard is the heart of the piano. The work must be precisely done to recreate, or improve, the original design of each piano. Every detail of the work is exactly calculated for a determined result. In the factory the person doing this work is referred to as the Belly Man. Yep, this week I’ve been a belly man. Next week a bridge builder.

Pictured:

1. Soundboard Blank getting measure to rim

2. Blank getting rough cut

3. Ribs getting measured

4. Ribs getting crowned

5. Ribs mortised to rim

6. New board after pressing ribs

7. Bridge location holes getting drilled

8. Final fit to rim before gluing