University Workshops

[Jeff Tanner]

Hi Loren,
Just to sort of support what has already been said, I have a 379 sq ft shop
(roughly 15' x 25') for approximately 125 instruments.  Our building was
built new in 1995 and this was as much space as the previous tech was able
to haggle for by the time the final plans were approved.  It's not really
enough room to dismantle a 9' grand, and though there's a countertop
workbench running nearly the width of the room on one end, it's not deep
enough for a grand action (but serves well for a coffee pot and microwave
stand).  If I could get the money for power tools, there would not be space
for them with the filing and storage cabinets lining three walls.  The
office space is a little cubical type L-shaped desk, and takes up at least
40 square feet in the corner the way the room is arranged.

I do have a double door and am located across the hall from the service
elevator, which is wonderful, so getting an instrument in and out is no
problem -- I just wish they'd thought of that in our overscheduled recital
hall.  But halls, doors, and service elevator absolutely must be considered
in the planning.

There are also NO windows.  Like Ed Sutton said, this job is lonesome
enough, and never seeing any sunlight, except when working in faculty
studios is quite depressing.

I've seen two building projects in the last few years now, and in both
cases the buildings shrank tremendously throughout the planning stage.  In
both cases the piano shop shrank with the building.  So ask for more than
you need and hope you get enough to work with.

Good luck!
Jeff



>Date: Fri, 4 Jan 2002 16:54:21 -0800
>From: "Loren Buntemeyer" <lorbunt@ukans.edu>
>Subject: University Workshops
>
>University Techs,
>
>I am in need of specific information dealing with university piano
>workshops.  I need to convince our administration and space committee that
>it takes a large square foot area to properly rebuild and repair pianos.
>
>Does anyone have recommendations or even information they can share
>pertaining to their own piano rebuilding shop.  How many pianos do you care
>for in relation to square feet of shop area?  I am not interested in total
>refinishing, just small touchup.  How many square feet can I figure to
>rebuild a concert grand?  (no soundboard replacement)
>
>Recommendations for approximate inventory of 130 pianos would be
>appreciated.
>
>Loren Buntemeyer RPT
>University of Kansas

Jeff Tanner
Piano Technician
School of Music
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC 29208
(803)-777-4392 (phone)