Rebuilding Seminar (E) The Business of Rebuilding - Ralph Onesti, Ralph Joseph Onesti Piano Restorations Rebuilding a piano is a difficult and tedious process, especially if one approaches it at the highest level. However, the qualified rebuilder soon learns that the actual rebuilding process is overshadowed by the mechanics of the business end. Topics will include: rebuilding time; evaluations; contracts; payment schedules; profit structure; sales; contracting vs. sub-contracting; The different approaches to warranties; Rebuilding client relations. This class is for anyone either already in the rebuilding business, or those thinking of getting into that end of the business. (1 1/2 hours) (I) Efficient Destringing & Restringing - Jack Krefting, Ludlow, KY Taking notes on existing side bearing, down bearing, bridge roll, crown, over centering, scaling, aliquot placement, bass strings patterns, and individual string loops or other unusual string/hitch pin patterns; two ways to relocate the plate; and string replacement, in a fast efficient manner. (1 1/2 hours) (I) Grand Piano Pinblock Replacement - Alan Vincent, Geneva International This class deals with the basic information about pinblock material, replacement and drilling. Slides will be used to illustrate the total process. An overview of pinblock types and drill bits will also be presented. (1 1/2 hours) (IA) Jigs, Fixtures and Tooling for the Serious Rebuilder - Shawn Hoar, Shawn's Pianos No rebuilding shop is complete without the knowledge to make jigs and fixtures to make fine woodworking repairs and installations. Shawn will show you how to make and use them. Many jigs and fixtures will be shown including a duplicator router to fit the top of the pinblock to the plate and shape the bridges to the plate while they are in the piano. (1 1/2 hours) (A) Replacing the Fully Fit Grand Pinblock - Andre Bolduc, Bolduc Pianos Andre is a skilled wood technologist and producer of fine pinblocks and soundboards for the trade. Here he presents practical and simple procedures to remove, bore, and re-install new fully-fit pinblocks in grand pianos. Of special interest is Andre's new tool that makes removing Steinway-style pinblocks a snap. (1 1/2 hours) (A) Soundboard and Bridge Replacement - Start to Finish, David Betts, North Bennet Street School A thorough step-by-step procedure for replacing a soundboard, recapping the bridges, setting downbearing, notching the bridges, and resetting the plate. All jigs used will be shown including ones used in making a bellyboard, cutting a radius in ribs, and feathering the ribs. There will be a lengthy handout for those who attend. (1 1/2 hours) (I) Soundboard Repairs and Refinishing - David Vanderlip, Orange County, CA Chapter This class will cover soundboard repairs including shimming techniques with hand and power tools, rib repair, scraping, and refinishing. (1 1/2 hours) (A) Teardown and Re-assembly/Downbearing - Nick Gravagne, New Mexico Chapter In a major rebuilding project the initial teardown phase should receive as much attention as any other part of the job. Paperwork and note-keeping are important but should be simple and handy. Sample forms will be on hand. Particular attention will be paid to plate and pinblock location (keep it simple!), downbearing, and action considerations. And an added bonus! A video of a Steinway plate being installed and manipulated for bearing. If you're into shop work, don't miss this class! (1 1/2 hours) Service & Repair Classes (E) 50 Ways to Make More Money Now! - Bruce Genck, Twin Cities, MN Chapter Beginners or Pros...This loaded, rapid fire class will give you 50 shots to bulls-eye your bottom line number. Easy to implement ideas for the field, shop, and office. Take aim and start increasing your income immediately! (What's unique?) Lots of information in a short period. If you're not cranking out the income you'd like, maybe it's time for a jump start! You'll walk away from this class charged up and ready to go. We'll talk about different sources of income and how to tap them, fee rates, promoting yourself, working more efficiently, ways to save money, and much, much more! This is four classes rolled into one compact package. It's not that difficult to make more money ... I'll show you! (1 1/2 hours) (E) 90 Practical Tips for In-Home Repairs - David Patterson, Toronto, ON Chapter How to be more effective immediately without buying or making tools, changing habits or taking up more time. (1 1/2 hours) (E) Combining Excellence in Customer Relations and Piano Service - Kevin Stock, Steinway & Sons This presentation addresses important issues of effective, professional communication, appearance and behavior, followed with the demonstration of quality service tips. (1 1/2 hours) (E) Home & Shop Repairs - The Easy Way - Webb Phillips, Webb Phillips & Associates Correcting vertical capstans and balance rails in seconds. Adding a birds-eye. Repairing broken Acrosonic stickers. Bench, piano top and lid hinge repairs, in shop or home. Excellent parts inventory numbering system. Repairing stripped screw holes. Practical tool tips. (1 1/2 hours) (E) Intelligent Troubleshooting Techniques - Dean Garten, Samick Music Corp. What is troubleshooting? How can you improve your diagnostic skills and gain confidence in your technical abilities? How can the manufacturer help you? These questions and more will be answered in this class. (1 1/2 hours) (E) Meeting the Service Needs of the Vertical Piano - Kent Webb, Baldwin Kent will discuss the various problems, causes, and repair techniques associated with the vertical piano. Included will be noise diagnosis, regulation tips, touch analysis, and other items we encounter in our service schedules. The vertical piano is still the most commonly encountered piano we service today. Be sure not to miss this essential class on an important aspect of our market. (1 1/2 hours) (E) Pedaling From the Ground Up - Joyce Meekins, Washington, DC Chapter Technicians often overlook the crucial role pedals play in giving the pianist optimum control of the piano. Beginning with an analytical overview of pedal systems in grands and verticals, we will go on to consider ways in which the technician can offer individual players maximum pedal control. Factors we will examine include the pianist, different pedaling styles, the size of the pianist's foot, and the impact of one's foot position. Players caught on video in the act of pedaling will be shown and discussed. (1 1/2 hours) (A) Full-Service Piano Prepping - Nick Gravagne, New Mexico Chapter Many piano customers would gladly agree to one or two days of your work if you could clearly explain WHY the work is necessary, and what the cost will be. Prepared customer forms (which will be handed out for you to copy) will not only convince your customer that you are routinely engaged in this kind of work, but will also generate confidence in your skill and professionalism. What does it take to "bring a piano up?" Learn the absolute "musts" of voicing and hammer shaping as Nick demonstrates the use of tools and techniques. No mystery here! For the average customer, what items of work can be ignored or put off to a future date? Finally, learn to "read" a piano quickly with the aid of checklists (which will be handed out.) (3 hours) (E) Pushing the Limits (and Distance) of On-Site Piano Service - Jim Harvey, Western Carolinas Chapter Whether your service business includes some in-home service, warranty repairs, or institutional work, this class promises guidance in achieving your goals. Concentrating on things that can be accomplished, while on the road, the class begins with how to plan. The discussion continues with suggestions on what to carry with you. New twists for traditional tools and methods are explored, as are some innovative homemade devices. In addition, Jim will present examples of actual warranty situations, and the methods used to correct them. (1 1/2 hours) (E) Secrets of the Super Glues - Ed Dryburgh, Dryburgh Adhesives Ed gives an overview of the specific uses and applications for cyanoacrylate adhesives in your piano business. Learn how to cut time and even generate business while offering quality and long lasting repairs. (1 1/2 hours) (E) Seven Keys to New Piano Prep - Phil Glenn, Young Chang Emphasis on preparing grand and vertical pianos for sale. Time saving tips and techniques will be shown. We will also discuss how to "deal" with piano dealers in the ever changing market. (1 1/2 hours) (E) Shortcuts for Efficient Piano Service - Ben McKlveen, Cincinnati, OH Chapter This class explores the steps in grand and vertical piano action regulation, with quick and efficient ways to re-establish a well regulated action. There will be a discussion of tools and materials that save time and effort and a short presentation of a quick single-handed grand dolly installation. (1 1/2 hours) (E) Tackling the Tough Stuff On-Site - Jim Geiger, Heart of Texas Chapter This class covers how to make some of those big repairs on the job site with readily available tools and materials. Some things to be covered are separated backs, bridges, capo bars, casters, pedals, legs, lyres and keys. Some "hands-on," lots of questions and answers. (3 hours) (E) Technical Basis for Humidity Control in Pianos - Bob Mair & Gayle Mair, Dampp-Chaser Electronics This four part class will cover Test Results from studies using pianos with and without systems. We will cover System Components and how you can determine which Dampp-Chaser system is best for your customers' piano. We will demonstrate the Installation of a Humidity Control System on a grand piano, and present Humidity Experiments designed to explain how and why the Dampp-Chaser system reacts the way it does to various external conditions. (1 1/2 hours) (I) Tooling Up to Clean Pianos - James Schmitt, Portland, OR Chapter This class will help participants use cleaning chemicals and procedures developed by the cleaning industry with attention given to the special needs of a fire and smoke damaged piano. James will include a hand-out with sources for cleaning products and tools. (1 1/2 hours) (E) Vertical Hammer Replacement - Bill Spurlock, Spurlock Specialty Tools Of all the parts we typically replace in pianos, new hammers offer the biggest single improvement in piano tone. While information on grand hammers abounds, hammer replacement for the more common - and just as deserving - vertical piano is seldom discussed. This all new class will cover several approaches to the job beginning with replacement/reconditioning of the hammer butts through pre-hanging hammers on bare shanks, use of special jigs, and installing hammers directly in the piano. (1 1/2 hours) (I) Woodworking for the Technician - Andre Bolduc, Bolduc Pianos Practical veneering (repairs), touch-ups and joinery, bench repair, tips and tricks for simple wood working at the customer's home and shop. (1 1/2 hours) Shop-Related Classes (E) Action Cloth and Leather Replacement - Bushings to Backchecks - David Brown, Austin, TX Chapter Learn what makes good leather and cloth, and how to properly prep, cut and glue it for replacement. Also learn a practical, fast method for rebushing entire sets of parts. A no nonsense, nuts and bolts approach for the shop. (1 1/2 hours) (E) Cabinet Restorations - Shawn Hoar, Shawn's Pianos Details, details and more details! Shop Tour - tools and equipment... safety and environment. Tear down and organization of case parts. Specialty repairs and advanced woodworking. Material, color, new and old type finishes. Plate bronzing, numbering and lettering. Decal replacement. Felting the cabinet, and assembly, button making and installation. "Shawn's Complete Process - Strip To Ship." (3 hours) (E) Fundamentals of Key Rebushing - Mark Bisso and Jane Aisenbrey, Pianotek Supply Company Class members will learn fundamental concepts and techniques of all aspects of key rebushing. This will be an informal hands-on class focusing on bushing removal, felt selection and cutting, mortise and minor key repair, adhesives, installation, and easing. This is a unique opportunity to learn time and labor saving tips from key repair professionals. All tools and supplies will be provided for use during the class. (1 1/2 hours) (E) Homemade Hammer Hanging Jigs ... How to Make Them - How to Use Them - Thomas Servinsky, Palm Beach, FL Chapter This class is aimed at technicians wishing to gain better control over the hammer hanging process. By understanding the sacred principles of hanging hammers and applying them to easy-to-use jigs, needless errors can be eliminated and the quality of the job improves. All jigs used in this class are easily produced in any shop. (1 1/2 hours) (I) Key Recovering for the Small Shop - David Betts, North Bennet Street School During this class David will show keytop removal, repairs to keysticks, installation of new keytops, and the jigs used to trim notches and sides. If time is available, replacement of keybutton and new balance rail inserts will be shown. Keytop replacement can be fun & profitable, come see how it is done. (1 1/2 hours) Tuning, Voicing & Concert Prep (A) Advanced Tuning - Aural & Visual - Jim Coleman, Sr., Phoenix, AZ Chapter This covers advanced stretch control, dealing with strange (but common) scaling problems. High-level aural & visual techniques will be demonstrated. (1 1/2 hours) (E) Aural Tuning Techniques - Virgil Smith, Chicago, IL Chapter Wouldn't it be nice if we didn't have to train our ears to hear single matching partials in order to do a superior aural tuning, or decide which set of partials to match to the best octave? Wouldn't it be nice if we could simply listen to the tone or tones as the ear hears them naturally and hear all the beats necessary to do the finest aural tuning? Good News! This is possible, and I will explain and demonstrate the technique in this class. (1 1/2 hours) (I) Between Artist and Technician - Steve Brady, Seattle, WA Chapter and Judith Cohen, Concert Pianist Taught by the husband/wife team of Steve Brady and concert pianist Judith Cohen, this class deals with communication between the piano technician and the pianist, and the process of making a piano satisfying to a pianist. Includes live demonstration. (1 1/2 hours) (E) Creating Stability and Building Tone in New Pianos - Don Mannino, Kawai This class covers many aspects of the tuning stability problem, especially pertaining to new (or newly restrung) pianos. Tuning techniques, pitch raising and other aspects of a technician's work are discussed, as is working with strings to stabilize the tuning and improve the tone ("String Voicing"). (1 1/2 hours) (E) Developing Tone with the Hammer - Doug Wood, Seattle, WA Chapter Piano hammers have a profound effect on the tone of an instrument. This class will emphasize field service techniques for getting the most out of a set of hammers. We will also discuss how hammer selection, mass, shape, and felt consistency contribute to tone. (1 1/2 hours) (I) The Digital-Aural Tuner - Dean Reyburn and Mitch Kiel, Reyburn Piano Service Using the new Reyburn CyberTuner state-of-the-art visual tuner in calculating the perfect tuning, pitch raising, historical temperaments. Integrating aural and visual tuning techniques. Using RCT's software spectrum analyzer in tuning, voicing and trouble shooting. (1 1/2 hours) (AI) Inharmonicity - Theory & Practice - Dan Levitan, New York City Chapter All piano strings have inharmonicity; it is an integral part of piano tone. Unfortunately, inharmonicity often alters to a frustrating degree the interval beat rates on which modern tuners depend. This class, through aural demonstration and visual aids, relates string inharmonicity to the inharmonicity, and therefore the beat rates, of all the intervals commonly used in tuning, and outlines the practical ramifications for temperament and octave tuning in a range of common scale designs. (1 1/2 hours) (E) Let the Piano Tell You - Jack Stebbins, Boston, MA Chapter The chief difficulty in tuning a temperament is how much or how little to temper each interval. Wouldn't it be great if there were a simple way to get each piano to tell you what beat speeds were correct and unique for that piano? There is a way! It's straightforward. Come find out. (1 1/2 hours) (E) Pitch Raising Without Pain and Suffering - Isaac Sadigursky - Los Angeles, CA Chapter Pitch raising problems will be discussed: necessity of it, observing piano potential problems; stabilizing plate, strings, different string segments, different speed techniques, tools; war and horror stories, and if time permits pianos will be pitch raised twice. (1 1/2 hours) (A) Preparing the Piano for the Artist - Jack Krefting, Ludlow, KY The relative importance of tuning, regulation, and voicing will be discussed in the context of the anticipated expectations of the artist. The particular repertoire to be performed, size of the orchestra and of the hall, acoustic limitations, and other factors will be considered, as will some things the technician can do to bolster the confidence of the nervous artist. (3 hours) (E) Termination (?) Points (?) - Paul Revenko-Jones, Chicago, IL Chapter Where does it all end? What terminates? At what point? How does given energy finally create the sound we identify as a piano, and why? What happens to that energy that causes sounds we don't want: zizzes, zings, and "false beating," as it is called? The first part of this class briefly addresses these questions by looking at the piano as a total vibratory system with its characteristics, and by examining the pertinent characteristics of materials (brass-agraffes, cast iron-capo bars and hitch pins, steel- piano wire, wood bridges). Back to the real world, the second part of the class addresses how to treat these materials and conditions where they interconnect (what we have been calling termination points), and the tools (some new) and procedures (both field and shop) used for creating and repairing them. (1 1/2 hours) (B) Tuning: Strictly for Beginners - Jim Coleman, Sr., Phoenix, AZ Chapter Covering basics of tuning theory, practice, and why. There will be limited "Hands-On" experience. All will be able to hear the beats. (1 1/2 hours) (E) The Tuning Lever - Keith Bowman, South Central Pennsylvania Chapter Just as the piano should provide an effortless conduit between the musician and the music, the tuning tool should also be an effortless link between the technician and the tuning. A tuning lever should be matched to physical body size and tuning technique. It should minimize fatigue and maximize efficiency. Using three criteria, this class will review the mechanics and geometry of tuning; various styles and grips of tuning levers; ergonomics and posture; tool maintenance, modification, repair and replacement. You are invited to bring your own tuning tool designs, including impact style. A number of demonstration jigs will be used, including experimental tuning levers and other surprises. Handouts included. (1 1/2 hours) (E) Understanding the Use of Partials - Fred Tremper, Bluegrass, KY Chapter The purpose of this class is to acquaint the audience with the phenomenon of partials and how they are used to tune a piano. When you read a tuning article or take a tuning class, do you ever wonder what is meant by harmonic partial series, terms-2:1 octave, 6:4, P5, P4? Fred will teach you what these mean along with many uses of partials in tuning a piano. Great class for beginners and experienced tuners alike. (1 1/2 hours) (A) Voicing - Your Finishing Touch, Rick Butler, Washington, DC Chapter Are you familiar with the 80/20 rule? 80% of the results are in 20% of the effort. It's true. 5 to 15 minutes of voicing immediately after you finish tuning can make a big difference in the way the piano is received. During the first half of the class, a slide presentation on action alignment will demonstrate how we can improve our finished product. For instance, we've heard that all hammer shanks should travel in a straight and vertical path. Should they? Is that the objective of traveling hammers? During the second half of the class, we will voice a grand piano - 1 to 88. Rather than listen to two or three notes, needle, and listen again, perhaps talk about it, we will voice the whole piano for evenness. Our objective is to make the tone even throughout the scale, whether the piano is said to be bright, mellow, or somewhere in between. (1 1/2 hours) (I) Zen & the Art of Concert Grand Maintenance - Ray Chandler, Kawai Find out what goes into the Japanese prescription for making the "EX" grand piano concert-worthy. Join Ray Chandler and the Kawai staff for an informative session on high-level approaches to action and tonal refinement of the concert grand. (RPT level, please) (1 1/2 hours) Orlando TuneOff Convention Tuning Contest: Aural versus Electronic On Sunday morning two titans of the tuning profession will square off in a demonstration of their skills. The January '97 cover of the PTG Journal humorously showed these two poised, ready to take two paces forward, turn and fire their weapons. That particular event has been referred to by Coleman as the "Gunfight at the OK Coral" in Chicago, or sometimes simply the "Great TuneOff." In Orlando, great attention will be given to making this contest a truly fair and objective test in addition to improving the educational value of being able to see and hear each of these participants do their very best tunings. After the tunings are completed, the room will be cleared while the pianos are moved in such a way that the judges will not know which piano was tuned by which method. Then the fun begins. The audience will return and hear short identical selections being played on each piano. Each Judge (the audience) will mark his/her score sheet as to which piano sounds the best. The results will be posted on the Convention bulletin board as soon as the results are tabulated. Even though Virgil Smith and Jim Coleman, Sr. are close friends, each of them will do their best to prove his method superior. Virgil contends that tuning aurally gives one an advantage, in that he listens to all components of a tone as he tunes, and can, therefore, make the very best resonances in order to have perfect single, double, and triple matching octaves. Jim contends that it is impossible to match all single, double, and triple octaves, but by judicious use of certain partial matching and stretching, one can have the best compromise. Jim says he has learned some things from Virgil's manner of tuning, and has been able to emulate his tunings electronically. He is still practicing for this coming event and hopes to be able to demonstrate a superior tuning as a result. Virgil is equally motivated to prove the superiority of being able to hear more of the whole tone while tuning and to utilize that information to provide a more superior tuning since Coleman can only listen to one partial at a time with his equipment. In any event, Jim believes that again there will not be more than a 60-40 split in the voting preferences. Be there, and let your vote count at the Great TuneOff in Orlando. PS: Jim and Virgil plan to still be friends afterwards. Sun. - 8:30 a.m.-Noon (E) TuneOff (Aural) - Virgil Smith, Chicago, IL Chapter In this class I will do a complete aural tuning attempting to duplicate the tuning that I did in the Chicago TuneOff. I will also explain what I am doing and hearing as I tune. I will deal only with beats heard when I listens to all the partials of each note sounding together as one sound and pitch rather than dealing with any single matching partials. Virgil Smith, Sunday 8:30 - 10 a.m. (E) TuneOff (Visual), Jim Coleman Sr., Phoenix, AZ Chapter During the Sunday morning TuneOff between Virgil Smith and Jim Coleman an attempt will be made to show that one can tune a piano quite acceptably using specific partial matching. Virgil may have an advantage in that he listens to the whole tone, but I may have an advantage in evenness from one note to the next using the Electronic Tuning Deivce. I will attempt to follow his model of tuning stretch. I will throw in some aural tests occasionally just so that the audience will be able to tract what I am doing. Even many of the unisons will be tuned using only the ETD. During the last 20 minutes the audience will have the opportunity to vote on which pianos sound the best to them. There will be four identical pianos, two of which will have been tuned prior to the class time. Voting results will be posted after lunch on Sunday. I predict again that the voting will be close. Who knows which style of tuning will win? Be there to help us find out. No matter what, Virgil and I will still be friends. Jim Coleman Sr., 10:30 a.m. - Noon Visually Impaired (E) Business Management: More Than Just Record Keeping - Don Mitchell, Portland, OR Chapter This class is designed to help participants discover how to guide a piano service business to be successful. Topics covered include: Determining your mission; Establishing your purpose; Selling goals by using the creation cycle; Developing macro and micro policies that guide your business to the successful accomplishment of your goals. A unique approach to managing your business, both thought-provoking and inspirational. (1 1/2 hours) (A) Advanced Voicing, Language, Theory & Practice - David Barr, Pittsburgh, PA Chapter This class delves into descriptive language of piano tone, the development of specific listening. It also covers the theory of string and hammer behavior. A great deal of time will be devoted to hands-on voicing. (3 hours) (A) Preparing the Concert Grand - Ray Chandler, Kawai This class is specifically formatted for the visually impaired and is an adjunct to the Zen & the Art of Concert Grand Maintenance class. We will zero in on a few of the more important aspects and approaches to concert grand tweaking and refining a la Kawai. (1 1/2 hours) Exam Classes This year all Exam classes will be conducted on Thursday and Friday evening. This will be done in order for participants to take as many educational classes during the day as possible. If you are interested in upgrading your PTG Status or involvement in the testing program, you will not want to miss these classes: Written (B) Preparing to take the PTG Written Exam / Written Examinations - Chuck Erbsmehl, Buffalo, NY Chapter The first part of this class will help you to prepare to take the PTG Written exam. Chuck will discuss the purpose of the exams, explanation of the six sections of the exam; tuning theory, action regulation, tone regulation, repairs, piano design and construction, general information, and give some sample questions of each section of the exam. The second part of the class you will be able to take the written exam. The tests will be scored on-site and if time permits, test evaluations will be offered.(PTG members only) Thursday, 6 - 9 p.m. Technical (E) Preparing for the PTG Technical Exam - Tom Seay, Austin, TX Chapter A walk through the procedures and requirements to pass the technical exam. Learn what tools to bring plus the physical and psychological strategies necessary to pass these basic skills. Friday, 7 - 9 p.m. (A) Technical Examiner Training - Richard Bittner, Detroit-Windsor Chapter Technical examiners for the RPT exam have no formal training program, yet must become skilled in administering the exam. This class will be a forum for asking questions about the technical exam and a "master" examiner training session. This class is designed for RPTs (no Associates please) who are or wish to become technical examiners. Richard Bittner, ETS Chairman, will discuss exam equipment (including the new Vertical and Grand action models), interpreting the manual, humanistics, paperwork, etc. Thursday, 7:30-9 p.m. (RPTs ONLY) Tuning (E) Preparing for the PTG Tuning Exam - Keith Kopp, Portland, OR Chapter Experience the actual test room layout with a prepared test piano. Learn what detuning and scoring procedures are involved in the exam. Helpful tuning tips and critical psychological preparation will be emphasized. Friday, 5:30 - 7 p.m. (A) Tuning Examiner Training - Richard Bittner, Detroit-Windsor Chapter Certified Tuning Examiners are made, not born. Help yourself become a great CTE by attending this examiner "master" class. You will have ample opportunity to ask questions or discuss problems you've encountered Richard Bittner, ETS Chairman, will lead the discussion. He will cover such topics as piano selection and placement, master tuning, scoring, SAT operation, paperwork, humanistics, etc. This class is for RPTs, CTE trainees, and CTEs (no Associates, please). Thursday, 6 - 7:30 p.m.. (RPTs ONLY) College & University Technician Classes (A) A Spectral View of Mass and Leverage - Dennis Johnson, Twin Cities, MN Chapter This class will share findings of an investigation into the partial spectrum of a single concert grand using different configurations of mass and leverage in the action parts. The physical problems associated with this question are complex and elusive, however, there are some interesting patterns which are revealed by the state of the art equipment used and hopefully others will be inspired to continue this work. No definitive conclusions will be proposed in this class. (1 1/2 hours) (E) New Age Voicing - Brian De Tar, Yamaha Yamaha is creating a voicing class dealing with new ways of solving voicing challenges specific to the Yamaha hammer. This is a preview of that class which has been years in the making. (1 1/2 hours) Mini-Technicals Coordinated by Bob Anderson, RPT, Assistant Director Mini-Technical classes will take place during 3rd period on Friday. Each class will be 40 minutes in length with a ten-minute break in between. You will be able to attend 2 different Mini-Technicals during this period. (E) Bass String Basics - David Sanderson, Inventronics David will identify elements of string construction and the corresponding contribution to the bass sound. Areas covered will include high and low inharmonicity, high and low tension with audio recordings of each. (E) Been There...Done That...! - Sid Stone, Golden Gate, CA Chapter Tips, techniques, tools and tricks of the trade. Forty years in forty minutes. Sid Stone's distilled verbum sapient. If he only knew forty years ago what he knows now ... ! (E) Control Your Paperwork - Control Your Business - Larry Crabb, Atlanta, GA Chapter Special control journals to keep track of work (service) orders, purchases, service tickets, work in the shop, customer calls and bookkeeping information. Also, a method to process your incoming mail and a practical, efficient way to handle future follow-ups and dates. (E) Distorted Commas - Dennis Johnson, Twin Cities, MN Chapter This class will begin with a brief introduction of some relevant commas and how they are distorted by inharmonicity. Using Hegel's dialectics as a metaphor, we will see how inharmonicity serves as an agent of dialectical synthesis between the Pythagorean and Syntonic commas. We realize this synthesis in the creative process of temperament selection. (E) Ear Aerobics - James Arledge - Nashville, TN Chapter Custom State-of the-Art digital recording will provide a listening experience deep into piano sound. This ear training exercise will journey through aspects of the piano sound in a way that will enlighten the beginner as well as the expert. (I) Equal Dip, Equal Aftertouch - Richard Ruggero, Research Triangle, NC Chapter Having an equal touch is probably the most important factor to most pianists. This class shows how to have both equal aftertouch and equal dip. The three components of aftertouch; let off, key dip, and hammer blow distance will be discussed and then Richard will show how to make adjustments to the action that will affect these components so that the dip will remain the same while equalizing aftertouch. This class is for intermediate to advanced groups. (I) Getting the Most From Your Electronic Tuning Device Using Aural Checks - Randy Potter, Randy Potter School Over half of all tuners use an ETD to some extent. Many "forget" how to tune aurally after using a device for several years - or neglect to learn it. This class teaches quick, easy and effective systems for optimizing your tunings by making aural checks as you tune, and shows how non-aural tuners can learn aural tuning as they use their ETD. Handouts include charts and instructions for use with the PT-100, SAT and Cybertuner. All three systems and devices will be demonstrated in class. (E) Grand Piano Service in the Home - James Sims, Tallahassee, FL Chapter Preventive care, communication - minor regulation, correcting normal wear voicing, extending life of hammers, trouble shooting, tips that add value to your service. (I) Home Spiff the Vertical Piano - Kerry Symes, Dallas TX Chapter Kerry demonstrates comprehensive servicing for the vertical piano. Necessary work performed in addition to tuning, makes pianos perform better, your customers more satisfied, and the technician a little richer. This class deals with the often overlooked areas of servicing and answers the question, "How much do you charge to tune a piano?" (I) In-Home Bridge Repairs - Walter Connell, Dallas, TX Chapter Tools, materials and techniques for repairing damaged bridges outside of the shop environment. (E) The In and Out of Player Actions - Herbert Lindahl, Connecticut Chapter The object of this class is to demonstrate with slides and props, the safest way to remove the upper and lower player actions, of most types of player pianos, built in the early part of this century. Once the player action is removed, the regular piano action, strings, bridges, etc., can be accessed for tuning, regulation and so forth. (B) Internet Basics: Getting Connected - Ron Torrella, Detroit-Windsor Chapter So you still haven't found your way onto the Information Superhighway? Still perplexed by talk of RAM, ROM, Bauds, Bytes, and Browsers? This quickie will cover the basics of getting set up to surf the Internet, putting you at ease so you needn't feel apprehensive. Self-taught "surfer," Ron, will provide you with the basics and answer questions related to getting your computer set up for a foray into the exciting world of electronic communications. (E) It's Not All It's Cracked Up To Be - Bob Bartnik, Richmond, VA Chapter The discovery of a cracked plate does not have to mean the end of a good instrument. Before you spend copious bucks and effort, learn this method of repair IN THE PIANO. We will see how to prepare customer, technician and instrument for a "Special" welding technique in piano lifesaving. (E) Machine Shop Concepts - William J. Balamut, Twin Cities, MN Chapter The proper use of drills and taps to thread into metals. Determine proper tap drill size for various tap sizes; working procedures on different materials. (E) Making Unisons Sound "SPOT ON" - Michael Vecchione, Baltimore, MD Chapter Unisons are the pinnacle of our tunings. Our signature. They enhance the overall sound quality and accentuate the subtle aspects of tuning, toning, and presentation of the piano. A unique system assuring accurate, efficient and stable unions will be presented in this mini tech. A must for all who tune. (B) MIDI for Dummies-101 - Paul Adams, Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter As MIDI equipped pianos enjoy an ever increasing market-share, this class aims to provide a basic working knowledge of the Musical Instrument Digital Interface language. This will empower the techno-phobic technician with the ability to discuss the more sophisticated aspects of the technology with his/her client. The Sanderson Accu-Tuner(R), Yamaha Disklavier(R), PianoDisc(R) and other ancillary MIDI equipment will be discussed. Course pre-requisite: Techno-phobia must be mild enough to allow the use of a TV remote. (E) New York City Piano Manufacturers - Charlie Huether, New Jersey Chapter Piano manufacture was the tone of the country's principle business. New York City was one of the major manufacturing cities. (E) The Perfect Service Call: A Tuner's Fable - Skip Becker, Northeast Florida Chapter Watch the edited clips of the amazing piano tuner from the popular "Northern Exposure," then analyze step by step his technique. The portrayal of the tuner and circumstances which develop is very realistic. We can all learn a lot from him, and it's entertaining as well. (E) Piano Detailing - Dan Reed, Dallas, TX Chapter Products and procedures for successful cleaning of the soundboard, plate, solid wire, brass hardware, and dirty cases in general. If you have been avoiding this potential business because of poorly performing products, come check out some proven products and procedures that work. (E) Piano Marketing Worldwide - Past, Present and Future - Helga Kasimoff, Los Angeles, CA Topics: Interaction between builders and consumers, advertising, attempts at grading systems and mass productions. Piano Politics, who survives? Insights that may be of help to better understand where we are today. (E) Practical Piano Purchase Parameters Prevent Panic - Colette Collier, Washington, DC Chapter The phone rings. Panic. Perspiration. A piano purchase is imminent. They plead to you, the professional, to guide them in the process. Helpful hints and practical parameters to pilot the prospective purchaser from panic to pleasure will be presented. (E) Putting the Pitch Where You Want It - David Foster, Shenandoah, VA Chapter Precise pitch management is often an important part of our tuning work. A tuning that is a little too sharp or flat can cost us a customer. This class will present methods to help us increase our control over the final pitch. Then we will consider just what that pitch should be. Is it permissible to let the pitch "Float" flat or sharp with the seasons? What is best for the customer will be our focus. (I) The Razor Edge - Alan Hoeckelman - St. Louis, MO Chapter Ever cut a piece of leather and find your cut looks, well,... kind of ragged? Can you re-sharpen that knife to a razor edge and avoid the mess from an oil stone? Come see it done. Find out why some edges dull quickly and others last. Hear what to look for in a good stone. There will be demonstrated simple techniques developed by a group with over 45 years of involvement with the cutting edge. Come discover the "BURR." (E) String Leveling - New Techniques - Clair Davies, Bluegrass, KY Chapter If grand hammers are fitted to unlevel strings, tone will be poor when the action is shifted because the hammers will no longer fit the strings. I have a very simple tool and some new ideas for attaining perfect leveling. (E) The Transparent Piano - Terry Greene, Hampton Roads, VA Chapter "What Pianists as Artists Expect from a Piano, and therefore from technicians." A concert artist wants an instrument that will provide complete freedom of expression of every musical nuance that the composition requires and their services will accommodate. The job of the concert technician is to provide an instrument that essentially disappears and allows the artist to play the music and not the piano. Hence, "The Transparent Piano." (E) Trapwork, Rebuilding and Regulation - Christopher Pilon, Connecitcut Chapter Restoration and regulation of trapwork systems. Tools, materials, and specialty repairs will be discussed. Trapwork systems are often deteriorated due to age and neglect. The class is intended as a stimulus to a more complete piano service. (E) Universal Bass String Replacement Tips: Speed, Stability and More - Carey Werneth, Northwest Florida Chapter Topics: How to remove excess windings from each end of strings quickly. How to stretch or break in strings. How to prop verticals with grand style lids. Other string related tips, as time permits, such as: agraffe removal, loose winding, bridge and hitch pin repair, etc. A handout on tips will be included, in case all are not covered. (E) Video for Piano Technicians: Equipment, Techniques and Applications - Alan Eder, Los Angeles, CA Chapter We will cover everything from choosing your equipment to optimizing your use of what you have to the many applications of video as a powerful tool of documentation instruction, and communication for piano technicians. Newcomers and hard core vidiots are equally welcome. (E) Yamaha Silk Cord Replacement Made Easy - Bill McKaig, Southwest, FL Chapter This class will demonstrate a new method for replacing silk cords on upright hammer butts. It is specifically designed for older Yamaha pianos, however, any hammer butt with a plated screw can use this method. Hands-On Tuning Tutoring $25 The tutoring sessions are arranged for the accommodations of 3 students along with a CTE level tutor. This setting allows for dialogue and interaction to create an atmosphere of individualized supportive learning. These classes require a special registration and a surcharge to help defray the added cost of equipment and materials used in the classes. Please note: Full registration fees must be paid to attend these classes. The only way to register is to call the Home Office at 816-753-7747 and speak with Sandy. She will be able to tell you which classes have openings. When your full payment is received by the Home Office, you will be sent a confirmation securing your place in the selected class. Visa or MasterCard are accepted. Registration for these classes will not be accepted by mail or fax. (B) Beat Rate Tutoring Receive individualized help in learning beat rates. Learn to identify beat rates within various intervals and checks and examine corresponding partials. Participants will be able to tune intervals and receive critique by a qualified tutor. (3 SLOTS PER PERIOD) Thur., 8 - 9:30 a.m. / Fri., 10:30 a.m. - Noon / Sat., 1:30 - 3 p.m. (I) Comprehensive Tuning for Advanced Students Receive hands-on help from a tuning examiner. This session is designed to have tunings critiqued and/or to focus in on individual areas of concern. All aspects of tuning can be covered ranging from temperament to octaves to unisons. This is an excellent class for those who feel they are ready to take the exam but would like to receive final tips, practice, and evaluation. (3 SLOTS PER PERIOD) Fri., 10:30 a.m. - Noon / Sat., 8 - 9:30 a.m. / Sun., 8:30-10 a.m. (B) Electronic Tuning Tutoring Receive individualized help in using electronic tuning devices. This tutoring session is geared for beginners seeking help with the basics in using the Sanderson Accu-Tuner. (3 SLOTS PER PERIOD) Fri., 3:30 - 5 p.m. (B) Octaves Tutoring Receive individualized assistance learning proper stretching of bass and treble octaves. How much is too much? How do you get accurate results in the high treble and low bass? (3 SLOTS PER PERIOD) Thur., 3:30 - 5 p.m. / Fri., 3:30 - 5 p.m. / Sat., 3:30 - 5 p.m. Temperament Tutoring (Choice of Basic, Intermediate or Advanced Level) Work with a CTE tutor to hone your temperament to the exacting standards of the PTG Tuning Exam. Practice tests and checks and receive valuable assistance from a qualified tutor. (3 SLOTS PER PERIOD) Basic: Thurs., 10:30 a.m. - Noon / Thurs., 1:30 - 3 p.m. Intermediate: Fri., 8 - 9:30 a.m. / Sat., 3:30 - 5 p.m. Advanced: Fri., 8 - 9:30 a.m. / Sat., 8 - 9:30 a.m. (B) Unisons & Stability Tutoring Get hands-on help from a qualified tutor. Training covers how to set unisons to exam standards, and how to get your tuning to hold well enough to pass the PTG tuning exam. (3 SLOTS PER PERIOD) Thurs., 8 - 9:30 a.m. / Thurs., 1:30 - 3 p.m. / Sat., 1:30-3 p.m. EXAMS ... The Examinations and Test Standards Committee is pleased to announce the RPT exams will be offered during the 1997 Orlando Convention. All three exams will be offered - written, technical, and tuning. The Convention Test Center will be on the 2nd floor of the hotel. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. If you think you're ready to challenge the RPT exams, ask a local RPT to read a Pre-Screening Manual (available free from the Home Office) and help you to assess your exam readiness. If in your judgement, you feel ready for the exams, fill out the application and send it to Richard Bittner as soon as possible. Available slots are filled in the order applications are received. A very popular option last year - observing master tuning sessions - is once again being offered. Look for the check box on the Application. Because availability of exam slots at Orlando's Convention Test Center is limited, ETS encourages you to take your RPT exams locally whenever possible. Well, there you have it. The 1997 schedule of PTG Institute classes, Rebuilding Seminar and hands-on training. It's clear that the 40th Annual Technical Institute schedule is full and that there are many new opportunities to explore. Consider all there is to learn, how much you could grow and how important investing in yourself can be. 1997 Convention & Technical Institute Headquarters, Radisson Twin Towers - Orlando, Florida - 20 minutes from the Orlando International Airport - 100 feet from the entrance to Universal Studios Florida - 5 minutes from BELZ Factory Outlet Mall and - 20 minutes from all other major Orlando attractions Looking for a Lift? Every Registrant for the 1997 Piano Technicians Guild 40th Annual Convention & Technical Institute will Receive with Their Confirmation Packet a Coupon Good for $3 Off the $21 Regular Round Trip Price for Shuttle Service via Mears Motor Shuttle from Orlando International Airport to the Radisson Twin Towers, Headquarters for the Convention & Technical Institute. Mears Motor Shuttle Booth Locations at Orlando International Airport - 2nd Level - "A" Terminal: Exit Through the Doors in Front of American Baggage Claim Carousel #5 "B" Terminal: Exit Through the Doors in Front of United Baggage Claim Carousel #8 or Delta Baggage Claim Carousel #14. Ticket Must be Purchased at Airport Location for Discount. Gratuity Not Included. Coupon Valid July 18 - 29, 1997. FOR ANY FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE PIANO TECHNICIANS GUILD 3930 WASHINGTON KANSAS CITY, MO 64111 (816)753-7747 (P) (816)531-0070 (F)
This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC