A crack in the the pianos soundboard is the inevitable result of the wood shrinking and swelling with the fluctuation of relative humidity as explained under Why does my piano go out of tune?
If the soundboard crack is what I call “active”, the symptom will be a buzz or rattle as the piano is played. In most cases, such a crack can be stabilized and “deactivated”, and will pose no significant problem. One should always remember to address the cause as well as the symptom by correcting the situation that led to the cracking in the first place. Soundboard cracks can destroy a piano if left unchecked. Cracking results in gradual separation of the board from its supporting ribs. As this separation advances, the soundboard will lose its “crown”. A piano soundboard has a curved surface just as the top of a violin is curved. If this crown is lost, the tone of the piano will most likely be permanently devastated. Soundboard replacement can be an option in this case, but is cost prohibitive in all but the most valuable pianos.
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