Wayne Finger writes:

> Still, it seems that an aluminum bedplate with stiffener ribs
> would have been better than cast iron.

Nowadays, one could go with low weight and high stiffness using metal
alloys developed for aerospace.  But then, volume may not be the most
important quality.

To achieve loudness while preserving musical tone quality, a comb could
be designed with a bridge (like a grand piano) or other appropriate
device, so that vibrations could be transmitted directly to a soundboard
and bypass the bedplate.

Robert Linnstaedt

 [ I believe that the tine must 'work against' a stable mass; without
 [ the rotational inertia of the bedplate it won't resonate clearly.
 [ In contrast, a tuning fork has a 'mirror' tine to 'work against',
 [ so it doesn't need any significant mass at its base.  -- Robbie