The Importance of a Soundboard
When you take a peek underneath the lid of a grand piano you may notice a shiny piece of thin wood beneath the cast-iron plate. This is called the soundboard. Four or sometimes five pieces of wood are cut to precise dimensions and glued together to form the soundboard. On top of the soundboard are the cast-iron plate and the pin block. The soundboard amplifies the vibrations of the strings. Think of it as a guitar amplifier that doesn’t need electricity. The vibrations travel through the bridges and down to the soundboard. Without a soundboard, the piano would be hard to hear.
Fixing Cracks in the Soundboard
Whether it’s a grand or an upright, cracks in the soundboard are the most common repair pertaining to this particular part of the piano. Mainly climate changes over the years can cause cracks, and even just the wear and tear from the years of vibrations. Some cracks don’t create a noticeable difference in sound, hairline cracks in the wood are quite common and not usually serious. In the case of an environmental shock, like a flood or a sudden drop, you may notice a much deeper crack in the soundboard. This can be a cause for concern especially if you notice a rattle or a buzz when you play the instrument.
Repairing vs. Replacing
It can be a difficult decision to decide if you want to repair or replace a damaged soundboard. In any case, we recommend contacting a professional, they can provide critical insight on how to preserve the pianos sound. Our technicians here at Stairway Pianos have extensive knowledge in both soundboard repair and replacement. We have extensive experience in mending soundboard cracks. We have access to the best parts in the piano industry to mimic the original construction of the instrument.
Let one of our registered Piano Technicians here at Stairway Pianos take a look at your soundboard to determine if any repairs may be needed! Click the link to the left to request a quote for an evaluation!