I don't have an acoustic theory but I do have an experience: a few years ago I made 2 versions of the same instrument which doesn't have a rose and has a solid belly rail. The first was solid walnut, the second poplar and painted. When I was setting up the second I was tearing my hair with frustration because it just wouldn't sing. Lying awake in bed one night I remebered a remark of Chris Nobbs' about sound holes. The next morning I took out all the action and took my biggest drill and drilled 2 holes in the belly rail (about 32mm diameter I think). The instrument immediately began to sing as I wanted. One thing that may help us in this regard is that most bottoms (except Italians), if they are made up in the usual way from butt jointed boards, will eventually split. That won't happen with plywood of course.



Huw Saunders

London

-----Original Message-----

From: Harpsichords and Related Topics <[log in to unmask]> On Behalf Of Chris Vandekerkhove

Sent: 06 September 2018 07:46

To: [log in to unmask]

Subject: Re: To soundhole or not?



Thanks to all for the advice. If the soundhole has no acoustic function then I'll leave it like that.



Can one say the same for clavicords? More particularly: is the "mousehole" under the soundboard a must have?



Greetings,



Chris.



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Note:  opinions  expressed on HPSCHD-L are those of the  individual con-

tributors and not necessarily  those of the list owners  nor of the Uni-

versity of Iowa.  For a brief  summary of list  commands, send mail to

[log in to unmask]  saying  HELP .

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