Soundboard crack assessment, crack filling, bridge regluing · S$200–S$3,000+ · All brands · Islandwide Singapore
The soundboard is the large spruce panel inside the piano case, directly below the strings. It is the primary acoustic amplifier of the instrument — when the strings vibrate, they transfer energy through the bridge into the soundboard, which vibrates and produces the piano's full tone. A damaged or cracked soundboard directly affects the instrument's resonance, sustain, and tonal quality.
Soundboards are made of quarter-sawn Sitka or European spruce — a wood chosen for its excellent stiffness-to-weight ratio and resonant properties. The wood is also highly susceptible to humidity changes, expanding in high humidity and contracting in low humidity. In Singapore's climate, this cycle causes stress that eventually leads to cracking in many unmanaged instruments.
Hairline Cracks
Fine cracks running with the grain — often from humidity cycling. May be cosmetic or may buzz at specific pitches.
Fix
Crack filling with hide glue and spruce wood filler stabilises the crack and eliminates buzz. S$200–S$400.
Wide Separation Cracks
Gaps over 2–3mm wide where the soundboard has pulled apart significantly, often losing crown.
Fix
Spruce shim insertion and regluing, or assessment for soundboard viability. S$400–S$800 per section.
Bridge Separation
The bridge (which transfers string vibration into the soundboard) separating from the soundboard surface.
Fix
Bridge regluing — clamping and reattaching the bridge with fresh hide glue. S$300–S$800 depending on scope.
Crown Loss
The soundboard's upward dome (crown) has flattened or reversed — the board has lost its acoustic function.
Fix
Crown loss assessment and decision: soundboard replacement (S$3,000–S$8,000) or acceptance for instruments where tone loss is acceptable.
| Service | Cost (SGD) |
|---|---|
| Soundboard inspection and assessment | S$80–S$150 |
| Hairline crack filling and stabilisation | S$200–S$400 |
| Wide crack shim and regluing | S$400–S$800 per section |
| Bridge regluing | S$300–S$800 |
| Soundboard replacement (upright) | S$3,000–S$5,000+ |
| Soundboard replacement (grand) | S$5,000–S$8,000+ |
Written quote after inspection. Soundboard replacement requires workshop visit. Islandwide inspection available.
WhatsApp a photo of the crack — we'll assess severity and advise on repair options before any visit.
In many cases, yes. Hairline cracks and minor separation cracks can be filled and reglued to stabilise the soundboard without affecting tone meaningfully. Wide cracks (over 3–4mm) or cracks that have destroyed the soundboard's crown are more serious — these may require soundboard replacement in severe cases, or may be accepted as cosmetic issues if the crack is stable and not buzzing. We recommend an inspection before deciding on a repair approach.
Soundboard crack filling and stabilisation costs S$200–S$600 for minor work. Bridge regluing costs S$300–S$800. Full soundboard replacement costs S$3,000–S$8,000 for a grand piano and S$3,000–S$5,000 for an upright, including labour and parts — typically only justified for high-value instruments where the investment makes financial sense.
Not always. Some soundboard cracks are dormant — they do not move or buzz during playing and may be left as cosmetic issues. Other cracks create a sympathetic buzz at specific pitches when the note's frequency resonates with the crack opening. If your piano has a buzz on one or a few notes, the soundboard is one possible cause, but loose tuning pins, loose hardware, loose cabinet parts and other components are more common sources. We diagnose the cause before any work is recommended.
Soundboards crack primarily from humidity cycling — the repeated expansion and contraction of the spruce wood as humidity rises and falls. Singapore's outdoor humidity (70–90% RH) combined with indoor air conditioning (which can drop RH to 50–60%) creates significant daily humidity swings that stress the soundboard over time. Installing a whole-room dehumidifier at 55–60% RH or a piano-specific humidity control system (Dampp-Chaser) prevents further cracking after repair.
Crack assessment, crack filling, bridge regluing. WhatsApp a photo for an initial assessment.