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Richard Brekne richardb@c2i.net
Mon, 21 Jun 1999 09:26:22 +0200



Billbrpt@AOL.COM wrote:

> In a message dated 6/20/99 7:57:11 PM Central Daylight Time, you write:
>
> << Just friday I took and passed the Norwegian
>  version,

> Richard Brekne
>  I.C.P.T.G.   N.P.T.F >>
>
> Please tell us about the Norwegian version of the Piano Technicians Exam.
> Specifically, how was your piano detuned?  Did you have to do a pitch raise
> tuning? If so, how much?

The piano was detuned in a fashion similiar to how pianos naturally become
detuned. In my case the lower treble area was flat, above the break in the plate
(treble area) it was sharp gradually becoming less so. The bass was generally
sharp. They could have gone the opposite way with this I suppose. There was no
"pitch raise" in any direct sense of the word, tho  A4 was at about 4 BPS flat by
my fork. A3 was at about 2BPS sharp, and A6 was around 3BPS sharp


> Did they use electronic devices to grade your
> tuning or was it done subjectively but by an individual or panel of people
> who were considered professional and expert?

The gradeing was done by a panel of three. A consensus of all three was required
to pass. Pitch had to be at A440 +- almost nothing. Thirds and Tenths had to
become increasingly slower (decending) and higher(asscending) with no exceptions
allowed except minor variations in the last 5 or 6 notes in the bass.

> By the way, I am not opposed at all to ET being the standard for the tuning
> exam.  I think our exam should stay the way it is now with the possible
> exception of a small change in standard for the 7th octave.  And for that
> matter, I am not opposed to ET and never have been but I am opposed to the
> notion that ET must be used exclusively and  I believe in the right to choose

Actually Bill, with fewer exceptions then you might realize, I think most people
would have no problem with this position as you state it here. (I dont know about
the 7th octave change in test part tho)

>
> Bill Bremmer RPT
> Madison, Wisconsin

In general our test is as following. One has to answer 7 questions about grand
regulation (grin I scored highest in our group of testees here) The questions are
actually simple enough and establish that the testee has a working knowledge of
both basic regulation, and some basic interelationships. One question was for
example

"What is the difference in the function of the capstan in a Grand vs an Upright."

The regulation part of the test consisted of a full regulation of the middle
section of an upright. They were pretty picky here. They layed in a few traps
like loose screws and such, and set the damping pretty uneven.

We had 5 hours to complete the test.

The test is under review, and there are some who are pushing for adopting the
American tuning exam. There is no discussion about adopting the "model action"
assembly that the Americans do for their practical side of regulation. My own
thoughts on the theoretical was that it was exhasperatingly easy. Tho grand
regulation has always fascinated me (ever since my first aftertouch class in Olso
1982 with Laroy E.) and has been my strong suit ever since. Perhaps I just have a
real good grasp of the grand action, or perhaps the test is too easy. I wont know
this until I get a chance to compair. Still I like the general concept of asking
the kinds of questions as the above example.

Our pianos were uprights, and in relatively poor condition unfortunatly. Norway
is a small country and has not the resources to test with fine grands. We are 60
(circa) members of the NTPF and there are approximately 200-300 people who make
their living tuning pianos in the country as a whole.

Hope this is informative and answers your query Bill

Freindly regards
Richard Brekne
I.C.P.T.G    N.P.T.F




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