This post is not about repair or replacing an old, worn or defective soundboard. It's about new pianos that supposedly don't have any crown by design. I've asked a few people this question but never received a good answer.

I was surprised to learn there are certain manufacturers out there that not only advertise their model doesn't have any crown but seem proud of it. C. Bechstein is one of them on their Academy line (model number starts with an A). Their highest line (Concert series) advertises a crown and they seem even more proud of that line.

So what's the deal here? There's got to be at least SOME crown on it or wouldn't the strings pressing down on the bridge bow it down?

While we're on the subject of crown, if there is a crown expert here, are you familiar with how Kawai crowns their boards? The thing I heard about those is that they're crowned in one plane only, not omnidirectional. In other words, picture a paper towel roll cut in half the long way vs a bowl. I was told that by someone trying to talk me into another brand so there is a touch of bias possible but I don't believe they're intentionally trying to deceive.

There are definitely different techniques and ideas out there when it comes to soundboard design. I've never heard of "zero crown" being a thing but can't say I'm 100% surprised by it. To me, that would suggest that it is designed such that the crown of a soundboard would be exactly flattened by the downward pressure of the strings. It would still have "tension", just not "crown". At least that's the way my mind would picture it, I could be wrong. Exactly what that accomplishes, I don't know. It would be interesting to hear other techs chime in.

I'm kind of old and a has-been more than up on what individual manufacturers are doing. I'd say "the proof is in the pudding", or perhaps better said here, the proof is in the sound. Do you like it? Do others like it? If so, there must be something good happening, even if it's a different design than customary or typical.

I'll be interested to read others' responses. 🙂

In a zero crown design what would be the required humidity level to balance upward and downward forces? If humidity exceeds the specification a crown is restored and if less than spec it would potentially crack. The idea of a wooden soundboard without a crown is a turn off for me.

7 months later

I was surprised to learn there are certain manufacturers out there that not only advertise their model doesn't have any crown but seem proud of it. C. Bechstein is one of them on their Academy line (model number starts with an A). Their highest line (Concert series) advertises a crown and they seem even more proud of that line.

Perhaps it is a cost reduction for the Academy line?

21 days later

Can you post the relevant section from Bechstein where do they talk about the academy series having zero crown?

    17 days later

    pianoloverus

    I checked their site and don't see crown mentioned either way. However, a general Google search (with similar results from the AI "CoPilot" that's part of my browser) does seem to support what I've heard about them not having a crown (the Academy series, that is).


        Tuner I've never seen any discussion about crown versus no crown on any piano maker's website. It's usually just taken as a given that the soundboard has crown and there is sometimes a discussion of the particular design of the soundboard. Piano makers don't say "Our pianos have crown" because it's assumed they do. I don't use AI but when I Googled "Bechstein Academy series no crown" I didn't see any relevant articles. Can you post a link to a few of these articles?

        Here is the link to the 2024 piano buyer article about the academy series. They only Mention that the soundboard is non-tapered and it's hard for me to imagine they would leave out it has no crown if that was the case.
        "The less-expensive, more traditional, Academy-series grands have an untapered soundboard, solid beech bridge with beech cap, maple hammer shanks, expansion-type keybed, and hammers with mahogany moldings and AAA felt. The same quality wood and strings are used in both. The rim parts are joined, and the soundboard and ribs installed, in a more efficient, less time-consuming manner than with the higher-priced models. The keys of the higher-priced line still use leather key bushings, whereas the A-series keys use the more conventional cloth bushings. Bone keytops are an option on the regular models, and both series feature genuine ebony sharps.

        ​The cabinetry of the C. Bechstein Concert and Residence models is much sleeker and more sophisticated than the plainer Academy series, though both cabinets are finished to the same standard."