Soundboard, Soundboard Ribs, Bridge

Function and Construction

• The exquisite shape of the grand piano comes from the shape of the soundboard.
• Following the contour created by the varying lengths of the strings naturally results in a soundboard shaped as we know it.
• The soundboard also evolved in this configuration because no other creates piano sound as well.



Major Points

• Spruce from Alaska and Romania is the material used for the soundboards in Yamaha grand pianos. And for the bridge, only the highest quality maple is used.
• The spruce lumber used for the soundboards is slowly and naturally aged for a long period of time, then further cured by computer controlled kiln drying.
• A very special and advanced method has been used to bond the soundboard, ribs and bridges to assure that the crown will be maintained, thus producing a crisp and clear tone for many years.
• In order to produce the best tone, the soundboard assembly must vibrate as one integrated unit. To accomplish this, the entire structure is designed individually for each model.

Yamaha grand pianos, (model C3E and C5E), feature an overhanging bass bridge, to better accommodate the need for longer strings as well as the need for proper placement of the bridge on the soundboard. This detail produces a smoother transition of sound, and a better overall tonal balance