The quality of the wood is a decisive factor in the sound of a piano. Among wood components, the soundboard plays a central role. This part, often made of solid spruce, amplifies string vibrations to produce a rich, powerful sound. The choice of spruce is not insignificant: light and flexible, it vibrates with precision, guaranteeing harmonious resonance.
In piano manufacturing, the quality of the soundboard wood and its treatment have a direct impact on the purity and richness of the sound. For example, a cracked or poor-quality soundboard will reduce vibration amplification, resulting in a flat, shallow sound.
The best manufacturers, such as Bösendorfer, exemplify this attention to wood. They use top-quality solid spruce, not only for the soundboard, but also for other parts of the piano. Their unique approach, in which the entire body of the instrument participates in the resonance, harmoniously amplifies the sound. This craftsmanship, combined with the use of exceptional woods, creates a rich, nuanced timbre.
Thus, the importance of wood is not limited to an aesthetic or structural choice, but truly defines the sound identity of a piano. Particular care in the selection and treatment of wood ensures optimum resonance and extended instrument life.