Becoming fluent and proficient in voicing techniques requires the cultivation of a diversity of skills: regulation, hammer prep, string voicing, unison tuning, listening, etc., honed through frequent repetition. Voicing is much more than saturating hammer felt with chemicals or poking it with needles. We will take a holistic look at this important subject, and demonstrate techniques and skills that you can integrate into your daily service routine.
This fast-paced class on tips, tools and techniques promises something for everyone. The content is always changing; if you have taken this class before expect something new.
A comprehensive discussion on the causes and cures for the second most commonly requested service call, i. e. a sticky key. Many times the key is not to blame. Learn the most efficient approach to diagnosis and resolution. The list is long, but additions are welcome. Share your questions and experiences with the class. Entry level through intermediate, but open to all.
Learn the proper techniques for using an impact hammer. It’s ergonomic advantage will save your back and help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. It’s the best way to tune uprights, especially when the treble end is in a corner. See a selection of the available types. You will add this much under utilized tool to your arsenal.
The Hailun piano is relatively new on the scene. Join us in this introductory class to learn about this piano, how it is made, and the Hailun service philosophy. We will discuss everything: unboxing a new piano, technical inspection and check-list, action regulation specs, special design features, website and technical newsletter and other important information as well as working with our service and parts department. The Hailun team is committed to excellence in service and looks forward to seeing you!
Learn the basic principles of hammer selection, effective weight control, boring and hanging of piano hammers. Grand hammers on old and new shanks & flanges, upright replacements and using pre-hung hammers in a professional and efficient manner.
Humidity effects are evident, but can you clearly explain them to your client? Get practical with straight facts as we define such terms as moisture and equilibrium content, absolute and relative humidity, and dew point. Explore humidity’s effect on wood, the piano, and the potential benefits for your business.
In grand piano action design, verticality is a primary principle. To the degree it is achieved, tone, power, and repetition are enhanced. This class explores ways to identify, measure and manipulate compliance at the crucial moment of strike and then considers how these may improve our work.
Wessel, Nickel and Gross (WNG) welcomes you to a hands-on class featuring the NEW High Performance Composite Action parts. Mark will show you how to install the new shanks to rails and install hammers on the new Composite shanks.
Wessel, Nickel and Gross (WNG) welcomes you to a hands-on class featuring the NEW High Performance Composite Action parts. Mark will show you how to install the Composite back checks.
Grand dampers begin with the pedal and end on top of the strings. This class will cover a step by step approach to regulating grand dampers with a logical and straightforward approach. Take the mystery out of grand dampers and enjoy a ring free piano.
What factors affect the stability of my tuning? This class investigates how the case, soundboard, plate, pinblock, strings, scaling, hammer technique, and of course, environment affect stability. Learn techniques to improve tuning stability.
This new class offers innovative techniques for bringing the bench work tasks of hammer filing, hammer hanging, and bench regulation to dramatic new precisions by the use of lasers. After numerous years of experimentation Gerry has created a bench top tool and laser which allows a lightweight, fast set up, and quick calibration of the components within an absolute minimal space. Build it yourself or purchase one of the tools pre-made. By following simple to understand procedures and very inexpensive components, you will gain the knowledge of how to achieve accuracy that some may believe only machines can replicate. This old-world craftsman brings another new innovation to your shop. See this class and see the light!
A class that addresses the long term implications of early decisions we make when we start out, and how we may optimize our career potential. Customer relations, health dangers particular to us, career directions, also a dose of considerations about structuring our clientele through our work/price habits. It's never too early or too late to think about how to work smarter not harder.
When bad things happen to good pianos, our investigators are there! Fire, flood, wind and the Clean & Jerk school of piano moving provide an opportunity for technicians to help customers save pianos from the dump. We will cover how to evaluate these pianos, what you can do to acquire this business and when to walk away. What are the effects of smoke damage? When do you condemn a piano? Where do you look for clues to hidden damage? How do you deal with distraught customers? Come and pick up the tools you will need to put valued instruments back into service after catastrophes.
CAD drawings of piano actions aren’t just computer pictures. They are powerful tools for looking closely at action geometry. See how lines of approach, convergence and recession contribute to action performance. Find out how the magical 5:1 ratio is only part of a larger, more fascinating story.
Precisely adjust touchweight in minutes. A profitable new opportunity for piano technicians.
The TOUCHRAIL, now available from PitchLock Inc., offers a smart solution for touchweight control in grand pianos. Designed for easy installation and adjustment, the TouchRail can reduce key downweight by as much as 10 grams with virtually no loss of low key repetition. Can be used for either note-to-note or full-scale touch adjustment. Be among the first to experience this exciting new product.
Chris services some of the world’s best pianos for some of the world’s finest players in the New York and Philadelphia area. From an early point in his career he was fortunate to be asked to prepare pianos for concerts and recording sessions, sometimes in difficult venues. From this challenge he learned the art of “triage” or achieving the maximum beauty from the piano in a limited amount of time. You will learn how to assess the potential in any instrument and how to manage your time effectively to bring out the best in the instrument. There will also be an interesting anecdotal “Carnegie Hall story” don’t let him forget to tell it.
These classes will be hands on learning with two opportunities per period to learn new techniques, upgrade your skills and get personal attention from some of the best in the business.
Instructor Subjects
These are a two period opportunity to ask our panels questions about your business from how to get started to how to retire. Session One will help you to build your business and get you started. Session Two will help you upgrade your clientele and manage your business effectively. From newbie's to geezers all are welcome!
Session One- Bernard Mollberg, Moderator
Panel- Ron Bergeron, Joe Dunn, Doug Knabe
Session Two- Dale Probst, Moderator
Panel- Ed Foote, Allan Gilreath, Jack Wyatt, Chris Solliday