# Risks

## Acoustic

| Risk | Why it matters | Verification test |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Cantilever model over-promises accuracy | Real tongues are cut from a coupled steel shell, not ideal beams | First-strike each tongue and log cents error before tuning |
| Mallet hardness changes apparent pitch and partial balance | Hard mallets excite noisy partials and can confuse readings | Record mallet type; compare soft vs medium mallet on two tongues |
| Support condition shifts sustain and pitch | Feet/cradle can damp the shell or tongue roots | Measure before and after final mount |

## Structural

| Risk | Why it matters | Verification test |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Slot roots crack | Sharp inside corners concentrate stress | Inspect radiused roots after tuning and after drift check |
| Heat warp from cutting | Warped top changes stiffness and strike height | Photograph and straightedge-check before deburr |
| Over-tuning weakens short tongues | Removing too much material can make tongues unstable | Log every material-removal pass and stop if sustain collapses |

## Ergonomic

| Risk | Why it matters | Verification test |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Edge remains sharp | Player contact with rim and port is likely | Glove-off touch test only after full deburr |
| Tongue spacing is cramped | Adjacent tongues may be struck accidentally | Play-test simple scale pattern with final mallets |

## Supply

| Risk | Why it matters | Verification test |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unknown steel grade | K and tuning response vary by material | Record grade/data sheet or mark as unknown in validation |
| Nominal sheet gauge differs from actual | Thickness enters the formula linearly | Caliper thickness at multiple points |

## Fit / Finish

| Risk | Why it matters | Verification test |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Finish adds damping or mass | Pitch and sustain can drift after coating | Measure before finish, after cure, and after drift rest |
| Feet or trim rattle | Rattles mask tuning and reduce quality | Strike every tongue at playing volume after final assembly |