Arle--
The luthier who designed the hurdy-gurdy I built insisted that a
sound post was essential. My instrument is a large, flat-(slightly arched)
backed one. I believe the rationale is that the key-box (mine is mounted
directly on the soundboard) sufficiently mutes the soundboard that you need
to have the vibrations transmitted to the back of the instrument. My
hurdy-gurdy is fairly loud.
Regards,
Leonard Williams
On 9/4/08 5:14 PM, "Arle Lommel" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> I have a quick question for the makers on the list, because I have
> gotten two *very* different answers to this question while doing
> research in Hungary. It concerns the sound posts in HGs.
>
> I was told by one maker that he has confirmed in the laboratory that
> the sound board of the HG really has little function and that the
> sound posts are primarily a support for the frame. He said that the
> sound of the instrument is generated by the box (body) itself and the
> radiation of sound into the box.
>
> The second maker told me that this is incorrect and that the sound
> board plays a vital role in sound generation and that the sound posts
> are thus vital as well.
>
> These makers use rather different construction techniques consequent
> to their opinions on the matter. Both makers are well regarded here in
> Hungary.
>
> Can some of the experienced makers tell me what their opinions are on
> this matter? I'd really like to know what the feeling is amongst
> makers outside of Hungary. How important is the sound post in getting
> the proper sound from a HG?
>
> Best,
>
> Arle
