Duane Leggett
Michael W. Miller
Robert D. Celmer
College of Eng., Univ. of Hartford, 200 Bloomfield Ave., West Hartford, CT 06117
The first eight modes of an unstrung Steinway model-K upright piano soundboard were measured by testing both the front and back sides. Strong similarities in the first eight modal frequencies and mode shapes were found even though 40% fewer test points were used on the back side. Using the dynamic modification feature of the STARStruck modal analysis software system, a prediction of modal parameters was performed for the structural features of a strung piano. Comparison of these results to the actual modal frequencies and mode shapes found by testing the back side of a strung piano soundboard will be discussed. [Work supported by Steinway and Sons.]