An easy way to replace split bridge caps on uprights without using epoxy or other glues to fix bridge pin problems. Learn how to build a jig over the plate to remove the old cap and glue the new one. This technique can also be applied to grand pianos. DVD of the class available.
Replacing the pinblock in a grand piano can be quite awkward when a solid piece is inlayed in the structure on both sides of the case. Christian shows how to handle many different styles of complicated pinblocks like Bechstein, Chickering, Shiedmayer etc.
The Squaring Platform allows hammers to be traveled and squared to an accurate vertical reference. An inexperienced technician can produce professional results. An experienced technician’s results will be just as good, but faster! And the same with hanging hammers. We’ll run through how, and have some hands-on fun as time permits.
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.
This hands-on session will focus on shaping hammers. You will be able to experiment with the different strip techniques and sandpaper grits used without worrying about ruining the hammers.
Moving pianos is safer and easier (sometimes even fun) with good equipment and good techniques. It doesn’t require six gorillas. David and Barbara (under 280 lbs total) will show how they move pianos all over the country with their homemade dollies, including their most recent model for moving a 6’ grand in a 5’ elevator.
Tools, tricks & tips for getting maximum results on a grand action with minimal time available. Class participants will have a chance to try out the tools & techniques for themselves.
This hands-on class will investigate some of the basic principals of action geometry and the benefits or consequences of making changes, and will clarify nomenclature and measuring protocols to help insure you can obtain the correct information to make proper evaluations of grand actions.
Most grand regulating classes focus on teaching how to regulate by achieving the factory specifications. This class takes a different perspective and focuses on what pianists typically complain about when they try to play their piano. So this class is a hands on approach to let you first feel their complaint at the keyboard and then regulate to correct the problem.
Replacing leathers on grand backchecks
Includes:
This class will examine iRCT’s "thinking" behind its Smart Pitch, Smart Partials and Smart Tune features. We will examine how Cybertuner constructs its tuning and predicts where it will settle in just one pass. This is a tool designed to make you look even smarter.
This class provides an overview of felt and cloth used in piano actions. Students will learn proper selection criteria of felt and cloth as well as methods to cut and prepare material for use in pianos. A discussion of proper adhesives will also be included.
This basic tuning class is about the vibrating string, overtones and partials, the musicall scale, intervals, ratios. equal temperment, the turn-over, beats, coincident partials, a definition of inharmonicity and more.
A single class period to present three very useful mini-classes. Whether you spend most of your time in the shop or the field, everyone will benefit from these minis.
Nick’s newest class regarding piano string fundamentals and overtones. Piano tuners will be particularly interested as we answer the questions, “Where do the beats come from?” and “How do beat phenomena relate to ‘whole tone listening’ as promoted by Virgil Smith and many others?”
In this class Nick will build (utilizing a computer tone generator) a complex audio tone, say A220, through the addition of one simple tone at a time up to 7 partials. This is done again with, say, a third above. To be sure, the class will be captivated as to where and when the beats kick in, and where in the spectrum beats can actually be "heard". Get ready for some surprises! At the end of the day attendees will leave with a firmer grasp of the phenomena we call musical sounds. In addition, new terms will be introduced --- terms such as “difference tones” and “combination tones” and their influence on what we hear and when we hear it. Piano tuners – you don’t want to miss this fascinating presentation filled with sounds, color and animations.
Precisely adjust grand piano touchweight in minutes with no cutting or drilling!
With hundreds sold worldwide, the patented TOUCHRAIL TM from PitchLock Inc. offers an elegant solution for heavy or uneven touch weight 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. Customer responses have been remarkably positive.
And because our new TouchRail Technician Referral Service directs customer inquiries to experienced TouchRail installers, this is not just a class, it’s a new career opportunity not to be missed!
Working on dampers is, for many technicians, forbidden territory! We’ll review a streamlined and efficient way to get the most results from the least number of tools. Video close ups and voluntary class participation included. Imagine that; regulating dampers in front of a room full of your colleagues. That’s a great confidence builder!
Ray Negron will take you through a tour of the Ronsen Piano Hammer Company. You will see the various processes used in manufacturing piano hammers, discuss the merits of the different felts and woods available, including our newest felt offering, Weickert Special by Wurzen, and be shown how to take measurements from your old hammers in order to facilitate ordering new ones. Questions are welcomed and encouraged.
Renting pianos is one of the most lucrative investments you will ever make. If you are astute, Return on Investment (ROI) will exceed anything you'll ever achieve with a high-performing mutual fund or super-powered stock, real estate, etc. The instructor has a number of pianos that yield a steady 50+% annual ROI, both uprights and grands.
In this paradigm-shifting class we'll look at the economics of renting pianos, how to define your goals before getting into the business, how to select instruments, how to calculate prices for your market, different approaches to contracts, and understanding the various types of customers you might target. Most important, we'll focus on how this business can have a profoundly positive impact in the lives of your customers.
Come and be prepared to have your preconceptions about renting pianos changed, and to increase your income!
Who wouldn't like an instant raise? Sound idealistic? It isn't. It's possible, and it's practical.
In these challenging economic times, we piano techs must be creative, resourceful and entrepreneurial in order to thrive.
In this seminar we'll cover a host of ways in which you can increase your income today, this month and this year, without a huge amount of effort. This seminar is focused on real ideas that are simple in concept and straightforward to implement, but powerful in results. If you use even some of these ideas, your income will increase by $500/mo within several months. If you utilize all of them, you will watch your income increase by more than $1,000 per month over the next year.
Included will be the story of the $70,000 T-shirt.
So, come and discover how you can give yourself a $6,000-$12,000 raise this year!
There are as many as 7 action centers in a modern grand piano. We will discuss each of these centers and how improper friction can affect regulation and tone.
This class will cover all aspects of the piano action center and will emphasize proper pinning for friction. We will also review tools, materials and techniques for consistent flange pinning of each action center. We will also cover rebushing the action center, emphasizing proper installation and trimming of the cloth.
Since this is a hands-on class, we would suggest that each participant bring basic pinning tools to class. We will have sample hammers and flanges, repetitions and damper underlevers to work on.
It ain’t just oil and gas that gets drilled in Texas. In our business it’s Piano Hammers!
If you replace Hammers on Vertical Pianos, this Intermediate Level class is for you.
Whether you drill your own Hammers, or have someone else drill them for you, this class will provide you with the information you need to get the correct angles and hole sizes.
Drilling your own hammers will also be discussed and demonstrated.
How about those Verticals? Most of us service these, don’t we? I know, some of you wouldn’t touch them, but……if you do…….this class will present tips and techniques for solving some of those troublesome repair and regulation situations. Who knows, we may even include some tips that will also work on Grands.
The grand piano key frame is the foundation for all regulation. For regulation to be stable, the key frame must be mated to the key bed. This hands on class will give you experience in checking and correcting key frame bedding.
There are 18-parts used in the KEY of a model O Steinway. Each must work as designed for the action to work as designed… Humm 18 times 88 = 1584. This class addresses each of these parts, their purpose and repair options under existing circumstances. These instructors have spent their lives in the trenches -- so to speak. A fast moving class with no nonsense. Just (When, Why and How) and maybe a little humor.
Everyone who tunes a piano needs to be ready for the eventual broken string. In this class we'll make string splices, hitch pin eye-loops, beckets & coils (using a dummy pin), and more. If you have round-nose pliers, bring 'um. Other tools and jigs will be provided. See what fun restringing can be!
A hands on class, including tips on cloth, glues, cauls, measurements, and more. Bushings are important for the stability of a piano's touch, and re-bushing is an important part of the technical exam for RPTs.
This class will not change the vertical action
into a "double escapement " as in a Grand.
It will demonstrate how to regulate an upright
to repeat faster that most humans can.
In addition it will allow the hammer to repeat
without allowing the key raising to its full height.
This procedure is so simple that most people
find it difficult to accept on face value.
Grands have a repetition lever that allows this
to happen ---- the vertical does not.
Come SEE --- be ready to believe !!!!
Turn a tuning into a full service job and PROFIT.
This will be done in simple language and eye ball deep in LOGIC. Complete with phrases to suggest this service and compelling reasons for your customer to agree.
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, use electronic marketing 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- Doug Knabe, tbd
Session Two- Dale Probst, Moderator
Panel- Carl Lieberman, Trevor Nelson, Leon Speir, Jack Wyatt