Piano Technicians Guild
SCRC Regional Conference

Nearly all of our classes will be Hands-On experiences-- we want you to learn by doing. All classes will also be repeated! So in case of those scheduling conflicts, you'll have a second chance at taking that other class you really wanted. We will be featuring so many hands-on opportunities-- check it out below!

Check for updates periodically.

Remember to bring your own tools! This is important for your success. Check these class descriptions for recommended tools.

Here is a consolidated list of tools for all classes.

David Brown RPT - Dallas, TX

Learn fast and proper techniques to bush and re-pin action centers. Speed up your pinning while increasing accuracy and improving function. Acquire production pinning skills for entire sets of parts. Correct pinning and friction level effects on both tone and regulation will be demonstrated in this full hands-on class. A fast paced class that will cover all aspects of work with traditional wool centers.

Bring these tools:
Micrometer
Reamers or broach set
Renner #1049 Flange Bushing Cloth
Center Pins (assorted sizes) Small Smooth Jaw Pliers
Center Pin Flush Cutters
heating device

optional:
gram Resistance gauge
pin vise
eye dropper or Pipette
pinning punch

Norman Cantrell RPT - Lawton, OK

This will be the regional premier of this class; We will be learning different techniques to shape hammers inside and outside of the piano, learning a variety of tools to use, which are most effective inside the piano for those quick touch ups in the home, and looking for that end-result for the best consistent tone and shape.

Stephen Hopp RPT - Midland, TX

What do accomplished pianists or serious amateurs want from their pianos action regulation? Once we understand that how do we as technicians achieve that. Come learn how to quickly achieve a touch that most pianists would find extremely desirable. Using a few quick techniques and a simple jig you can become the hero of your piano playing clients.

This class will allow each participant to try the techniques and feel the results at the keyboard.

Bring these tools:
Capstan tool
Drop screw regulator
A preferred key dip block

Elizabeth Ward and Dale Probst RPTs - Central Oklahoma Chapter

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. Hands on participation will be limited so get there early to reserve your spot!

Bring these tools:
Tuning hammer or Keyframe Bedding Tool (Pianotek JKR-!, Schaff R-22)
Screwdriver- stubby (1.5-2") flat blade for bedding center rail on some pianos
Sandpaper - 120 and 220 grit
Needle nose pliers

Dan Reed RPT - Richardson, TX

We will investigate high efficiency regulation. Using four note grand actions, we will investigate the four 'Classic' After-touch errors. Using hand held grand action models, we will investigate what happens during escapement.
'Make it a Piano-Forte first', is the Mantra...
No tools necessary
Class hand-out

David Reed RPT - Kawai America

In this class, we will cover all aspects of upright regulation. We will be working with action models and each pair of students will have a model. We will step through the entire regulation process and each person will have immediate hands-on participation. Students will be required to bring their own tools.

Each student will need to bring the following tools:
Capstan wrench,(rod type)
Let-off tool
Damper wire bender
Spoon bender
Small metal mm ruler
Razor blade knife
Small crescent wrench

Fred Sturm RPT - University of New Mexico

These are two of the most important and basic steps that need to be taken before voicing. The traveling method is "upside down" the action is placed with the hammerheads on the bench, and the action is rocked to reveal side to side motion of the hammers. Squaring the hammers involves balancing the weight of the hammer so the center of the crown is directly above the middle of the shank. The method relies on precision travel, and uses the crowns of the neighboring hammers as reference points. Emphasis is on efficiency and precision.

Bring these tools:
screwdriver or power screwdriver
pencil and chalk
your favorite travel paper
grand flange spacer assortment
your favorite heating device for burning flanges

Jim Geiger RPT - Waco, TX

A look at the relationships between the tuning pin, friction points, waste end lengths, tension, tools, and the tuner. Both uprights and grands. Question: Can a string be tuned so well that it cannot be knocked out of tune? Discuss pounding. First half of class is lecture, second half is hands-on. Plenty of opportunity for attendee input. Bring your tuning hammer and set some unisons--

Gary Bruce RPT - Edmond, OK

This class is designed to give an overview of soundboard crack repair primarily utilizing what is commonly referred to as the Spurlock Method. An actual soundboard will be used in this hands-on class to give attendees the opportunity to use a traditional soundboard shimming tool, toggle repair clamps as well as the Spurlock method with a die grinder, mini hand plane and chisel. This class will be especially valuable for those who have never actually done soundboard repairs and who might be nervous about making mistakes. Proper safety precautions will be taken but a release of liability form must be signed by all who attend the class.

Bring these tools:
Safety Googles and earplugs
Hand Planer

Mike Ello RPT - Houston, PTG RVP

High Gloss piano finishes have become very common in the United States. Why not learn how to repair scratches, chips, and dings in these pianos and make some extra money. Mike Ello, RPT has been performing polyester touch up service for over twenty years. He will be offering a hands on class, poly-filling and touching up a small gouge on several polyester boards. This is a rare opportunity you will not want to miss.

Bring these tools:
C clamp or small pipe clamp (for clamping your polyester board to the work table)
Very small artist paint brush (to apply black lacquer to inside the repair area)
Shop apron and safety glasses

The following are not mandatory but would enable the class to be more efficient:
Fast RPM buffer with lambs wool buffing pad or drill with a buffing attachment
Dremel tool with a high speed steel rounded bit (to prep inside of repair before the polyester fill)
Aerosol can or small bottle of black lacquer

Jamie Marks RPT - Oklahoma City, OK

This class is designed to document all pertinent information needed to re-assemble a grand piano being rebuilt. A sample teardown sheet hand-out will be used outlining the items that need to be recorded or determined during teardown to insure the piano returns to original. This sheet can also aid the re-builder if design changes are planned.

Mike Tocquigny RPT - Fort Worth, TX

This class is a basic procedure to restring a grand or upright piano, with attention to uniform coils, beckets, pin height, and eye loops. Participants will be able to practice the elements of stringing on an old piano, or a stringing jig.

Jim Watson - Austin, TX

In this class, Jim Watson will discuss proper bridge-notching geometry and a demonstration of non-botched notching will occur. (Try to say that fast three times in a row!) Students will then have the opportunity to try these methods for themselves, and we'll have a notching party. The class will provide a bridge from a piano, cut into several sections. Several sharp chisels will be provided (but students are encouraged to bring their own). The instructor will supervise students as they begin to notch, and will coach or provide pointers as their hands propel the chisel through the cut.

Bring these tools:
Sharpened Chisel
6" F style clamps

Tim Barnes RPT - Charlotte, NC

How do you successfully market your company in today's world? More importantly, where do you focus your time and energy? Few piano technicians have a marketing department so where do you focus your marketing resources and how do you maximize its impact? In this class we will discuss strategies for building a marketing presence that works. We will cover Websites, Facebook, Online Reviews, Social Media, Youtube, Blogs, and all things digital.

Tim Barnes RPT - Charlotte, NC

If you are trying to making a living as a piano technician, you need Gazelle. The Gazelle Network is a new software that enables you to manage your business on the go. Gazelle will save time and increase your revenue. Spend less time in the office, less time in the car, as you automatically remind clients their piano(s) are due for service and watch as they self schedule their own appointments using Gazelle's SMART Scheduler. Managing clients, pianos, and calendars for one or more technicians is what Gazelle does best. This class will be focused on showing you how Gazelle can transform your life by helping you focus on the things you love. Gazelle will enable you to spend your time servicing pianos and caring for people rather than playing phone tag and doing office work.