Building on the Past ... Looking to the Future - A 40-Year PTG Tradition Welcome There's no other event quite like it! Nowhere else can you find such a range of educational offerings tailored to the working piano technician, all taught by leading experts in their specialties. PTG's 40th Annual Convention and Technical Institute brings together technicians from all over the world in an atmosphere of sharing and fellowship. You'll have more than 110 classes to choose from - almost 300 hours of educational offerings - including: * Business classes * In-home service and repair classes * Piano design, construction and materials classes * Rebuilding and shop classes * Tuning classes * Voicing and concert prep classes Useful Information Council PTG's Annual Council Meeting of chapter delegates will be Tuesday and Wednesday, July 22 and 23 in the Radisson Twin Towers Convention Center. Delegates who have been recorded by the Home Office may pick up their packets at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, July 21 and 7 to 8:30 a.m., Tuesday morning before the Council session begins. Regional Meetings Learn what's going on in your region; meet with your Regional Vice President and other members to discuss organizational issues and plan future activities. Regional meetings will be from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Thursday, July 24. Region 1: Indian River; Region 2: Cape Canaveral; Region 3: Volusia; Region 4: Palm Beach; Region 5: Broward; Region 6: Dade; Region 7: Florida Keys. Committee Meetings Time for meetings of PTG committees has been set aside for Saturday, July 26 at 9:30 a.m., in the Seminole Room of the Convention Center. For the Visually Impaired The Visually Impaired Concerns Committee has scheduled six-hours of classes. The program is open to everyone. Don Mitchell will discuss "Business Management," David Barr will give you techniques for "Advanced Voicing," and Ray Chandler will give you tips on "Preparing the Concert Grand." Chapel Service Chapel Service will be held Sunday, July 27, at 7 a.m. in the Pinellas Room of the Convention Center and will be conducted by Jim Coleman Jr. Barbershop Chorus Rehearsal Be a part of the 18th Annual Performance of the PTG Barbershop Chorus, under the direction of Larry Crabb, RPT. In 1980 at the Philadelphia convention - the first time the barbershop chorus ever performed - Dick Bittinger asked Larry (a long-time "barbershopper") if he could find a few people to sing the song "I Left My Heart in San Francisco," using special piano related lyrics, as this was the next convention destination. Larry gathered about 15 people, rehearsed one time, then performed at the closing luncheon. They were a hit! The next year in San Francisco, people were asking Larry to do a repeat performance. He agreed enthusiastically! Once again, the chorus performed and it was even better than the year before. Since then, Larry has directed the chorus at every convention with as many as 45-50 singers. In the early years the songs were original barbershop songs Larry had obtained through his involvement with his local barbershoppers. However, as years and conventions went on, Larry, other members of the chorus, and PTG members not even in the chorus, composed lyrics to appropriate songs for the convention cities we were in and where we would be going the following year. Larry mixes his performance package with traditional barbershop, special parodies, comedy, wacky hi-jinx and religious songs. These performances are eagerly anticipated and well attended each year. So, be sure not to miss out on being a part of Larry's chorus this year in Orlando. Rehearsals will be Tuesday- Friday, July 22 - 25, from 12:15-1:00p.m. The performance is scheduled 1/2 hour before the Yamaha Reception on Friday, July 25, outside the Citrus Crown Ballroom. Auxiliary Would you like to see what goes on behind the scenes at Disney? Then you'll want to join the Auxiliary tour this year as they go "under-ground." The tour will take place on Friday, July 25. The tour will include five rides, and a chance for you to see the Disney 25th Anniversary Parade. The tour takes only 15 in a group, so sign up early . For this background tour, only people 16 years of age and older will be admitted. They do not want to spoil the fantasy of seeing the characters out of dress.With advanced request, wheelchair service will be provided. If you and your family would like to go on other tours of Orlando or Disney, you may contact Sharlene Pitts at (407) 397-4946. Ms. Pitts works for the Orlando Discount Guide, and she will be able to prepare a package for you and your family. Be sure that you tell Ms. Pitts that you are with the PTG. Special Notes Only Institute registrants may attend classes. Spouses and children of PTG members may register to attend classes at the member rate. Guides for the visually impaired registrants may attend classes at no charge, as long as seating is available. Please inform the Home Office, if you will have a guide. Videotaping of convention functions is prohibited without express permission of the PTG Executive Director. Any taping, either audio or visual, of Institute classes must be approved by the Institute class instructor and must be for personal use only. Nonmember technicians can obtain a certificate good for a $30 rebate on new member application fees. Rebate certificates can be picked up at the convention membership booth in the Exhibit Hall and must be validated by a booth representative as well as an officer of the chapter you join. The $30 will be refunded when all dues and fees are paid. Opening Assembly July 23, 7 p.m. Orange Ballroom Kick off your convention in a big way as the 40th Annual PTG Convention & Technical Institute begins. Fifty-six technicians have already been inducted into the Piano Technicians Guild Hall of Fame. Find out who will join them this year at the Opening Assembly, as well as who will be the recipients of this year's Member of Note award. Those attending the Opening Assembly will receive a copy of the 1997 Convention Souvenir Book! Golden Hammer Banquet July 26, 7 p.m. Orange Ballroom Don't miss the highlight of the convention . . . with good food, good friends and lots of fun as the Guild honors its many members and announces the winner of this year's Golden Hammer Award. A great evening to relax and enjoy. A Very Special Sunday July 27, 1997 This year, Sunday of the PTG Convention will be special and innovative. Following a religious chapel service, there will be four highly educational and interesting class rooms available for participants. 7-8 a.m. Chapel Services 8:30 a.m. - Noon Classroom I Bruce Hoadley Final two sessions of his special class Classroom II Applied Skills Room Classroom III Tune-Off Challenge Jim Coleman vs. Virgil Smith Classroom IV Business Roundtables Learn what's new, what's improved, how it works and how to care for it in the Exhibit Hall. These exhibits will encompass a vast array of piano industry products and services. The companies listed below have already reserved their place in this exciting display! Exhibitors American Piano Supply Company Boston Piano Company Brooks, Ltd. Brookside Press Dampp-Chaser Electronics Dryburgh Adhesives Fandrich Piano Company Fandrich & Sons Pianos Geneva International Hart's Piano Shop Inventronics, Inc. Kawai Pianos Kemble & Company, Ltd McCall Enterprises. North Bennet Street School Paul L. Jansen & Son PianoDisc Pianotek Supply Company PTG Auxiliary PTG Foundation PTG Membership PTG Merchandise Ralph J. Onesti Piano Restorations Randy Potter School Renner USA Reyburn Piano Service SAP Music Professionals Schaff Piano Supply Co. Schimmel Piano Company Shawn's Pianos Spurlock Specialty Tools Steinway & Sons Webb Phillips & Assoc. Weber Piano Company WonderWand Yamaha Corp. of America Young Chang Exhibit Hall Hours Wednesday, July 23 2 - 6 p.m. Thursday, July 24 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 2:45 - 6 p.m. Friday, July 25 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 2:45 - 6 p.m. Saturday, July 26 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 2:45 - 6 p.m. PTG Convention Schedule Saturday, July 19 7:30 - 9 p.m. PTG Board Meeting Sunday, July 20 8:00 a.m. - 5 p.m. PTG Board Meeting Monday, July 21 8:00 a.m. - 5 p.m. PTG Board Meeting 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Registration Desk 6:30 p.m. Delegate Check-in Tuesday, July 22 7:30 a.m.-Noon Registration Desk 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Council Meeting Exhibit Set-up 8 p.m. Randy Potter Reception Wednesday, July 23 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Registration Desk 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Exhibitor Set-up 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Council Meeting 2 p.m.- 6 p.m. Exhibit Hall Opens 7:30 p.m. Opening Assembly 9 pm PianoDisc/Knabe/Mason & Hamlin Reception Thursday, July 24 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Registration Desk 8 a.m. Institute Period 1 9 a.m. Exhibit Hall Opens 10:30 p.m. Institute Period 2 1:30 p.m. Institute Period 3 PTG Foundation Board Meeting 3 p.m. Recital by 1997 Auxiliary Scholarship Recipients (Baldwin) 3:30 p.m. Institute Period 4 5:30 p.m. Regional Meetings Exam Classes 8 p.m. Kawai EX Concert/Reception Friday, July 25 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Registration Desk 8 a.m. Institute Period 1 9 a.m. Exhibit Hall Open 10:30 a.m. Institute Period 2 1:30 p.m. Institute Period 3 3:30 p.m. Institute Period 4 6 p.m. Applied Skills 8:30 p.m. Barbershop Chorus 9:00 p.m. Yamaha Reception Saturday, July 26 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Registration Desk 8 a.m. Institute Period 1 PTG Board Meeting 9 a.m. Exhibit Hall Open 9:30 a.m. Committee Meetings 10:30 a.m. Institute Period 2 1:30 p.m. Institute Period 3 3:30 p.m. Institute Period 4 7 p.m. Golden Hammer Banquet 9 p.m. Steinway Concert and Reception Sunday, July 27 7 a.m. Chapel Service 8:30 a.m. Institute Period 1 10:30 a.m. Institute Period 2 PTGA Convention Schedule Wednesday, July 23 9 a.m. Auxiliary Executive Board Meeting 7:30 p.m. Piano Technicians Guild Opening Assembly 9 p.m. PianoDisc/Knabe/Mason & Hamlin Reception Thursday, July 24 8:30 a.m. Auxiliary Opening Assembly & Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Member-At-Large Meeting 9:45 a.m. Council Meeting I 12:15 p.m. Auxiliary Friendship Luncheon 3:00 p.m. Recital by 1997 Auxiliary Scholarship Recipients (Baldwin) 4 p.m. Auxiliary Tea 4:45 p.m. Installation of Officers 8:00 p.m. Kawai EX Concert/Reception Friday, July 25 8:30 a.m. Disney Tour 6:00 p.m. Return to the bus. 6:30 p.m. Arrive back at hotel. 9 p.m. Yamaha Reception Saturday July 26 8:00 a.m. - Noon EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM: Murray Bradford Tax Class or Explore the city on your own, or you may wish to relax by the pool. 7 p.m. Piano Technicians Guild Golden Hammer Banquet 9 p.m. Steinway Concert (Reception immediately following) Sunday, July 27 7-8:00 a.m. Chapel Service 8:30 a.m. Auxiliary Executive Post-Board Meeting 9 a.m. Sleep in, or get out and visit anyplace you like. Meet the 1997 Technical Institute Staff Wally Brooks, RPT Institute Director Wally has been a member of PTG for 36 years. He has served as President of the Connecticut Chapter and has been Chairman and/or Institute Director of more than eight Connecticut and New England Seminars. He has taught at numerous seminars and annual conventions since 1970 and has served on many chapter and international committees. Wally was awarded the Member of Note Award in 1984 and was inducted into the PTG Hall Of Fame in 1995. For the past two years Wally served as an Assistant Director of the Institute Committee in Albuquerque and Dearborn. Evelyn Smith, RPT Assistant Director Evelyn , a member of PTG since 1985, is no stranger to conference organizing or teaching. Before joining PTG, she coordinated two conferences in her jobs in non-profit administration. She also led workshops for adults in conflict resolution skills, and taught English as a Second Language in both the U.S. and Japan. Evelyn directed the North Carolina Regional Conference in 1994, and helped found the NC Regional Conference Board in 1991. Her PTG teaching experience has included numerous regional seminars and national institutes. She has served as president of the NC Central Chapter, and was a member of the PTG Marketing Committee from 1992-94. Evelyn served as an Assistant Director of the Institute Committee in Dearborn. John Ragusa, RPT Assistant Director This year marks John Ragusa's tenth year as a PTG member. He has served on the Southwest Florida Chapter's Executive Board for the last seven years, and edited the chapter newsletter, Tech-Tunes. He directed the Florida State Seminar for three consecutive years (1994/95/96). He received Florida's Ed Wood Award at the 1996 State Seminar and instructed at the 1996 Institute in Dearborn. Bob Anderson, RPT Assistant Director Bob became interested in piano technology in 1970 and read about it and talked with piano technicians occasionally. In 1974 he attended a summer class in beginning piano service. In 1975 he joined PTG and started working in a piano repair shop. He started his own piano service business in 1980. In the Tucson Chapter of PTG, he served as Secretary, Vice President and Newsletter Editor, as well as teaching an apprentice class and serving as Chairman of the AZ State Seminar several times. He has taught technical classes at the local and regional level, and taught a mini-technical class at the Convention in Dearborn last year. Paul Olsen, RPT Assistant Director As a PTG member for 16 years, Paul has given many years of service to the organization. Among his contributions, Paul recently served as Chairman of the Twin Cities Chapter Public Relations Committee, which he organized in 1990. He served as Twin Cities Chapter President from 1987 to 1989, and before being elected Chapter President was the Chairman of the Central West Regional Seminar in 1987. More recently, Paul again served as Central West Regional Seminar Chairman in 1992 and was a member of the Chapter Management and Achievement Committee from 1988 to 1992. Paul served as an Assistant Director of the Institute Committee in Kansas City and Albuquerque and as Institute Director in Dearborn. 1997 Technical Institute Schedule Thursday - Saturday 1st Period 8:00-9:30 a.m. 2nd Period 10:30a.m.-12:00 p.m. 3rd Period 1:30-3:00 p.m. 4th Period 3:30-5:00 p.m. Sunday 1st Period 8:30-10:00 a.m. 2nd Period 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Approximate level of material and presentation: (E) Everyone (I) Intermediate (B) Basic (A) Advanced Action & Regulation Classes (E) Action Centers: The Secret of Consistent Touch - Don Mannino, Kawai This class is in two parts within the one class session. The first focuses on conceptualizing action center operation and service, and the second demonstrates an efficient and highly accurate method for recentering using sized broaches. The discussion will include evaluating the amount of friction needed for any given part, the effects of pinning on touch and tone, and dealing with the various types of bushing cloths encountered. (1 1/2 hours) (E) Aftertouch: The Secret of Ultimate Piano Performance - LaRoy Edwards and Kirk Ise, Yamaha This innovative class will help to clarify the whole picture of "aftertouch." You'll see how to factor in the "human element" that the pianist places on the mechanical system of the piano, and what the pianist expects from your regulation work. We'll examine all of the related regulating adjustments, to understand how each one contributes to the control and efficiency of making music at the piano. (1 1/2 hours) (A) Blueprint and Balance the Grand Action - David Stanwood, Stanwood Touch Design Systems & Bob Marinelli, Pianotek Supply Company Studies carried out over a six year period by a team of technicians under the direction of David C. Stanwood investigated both traditional and new methods for measuring and manipulating the feel of the piano actions. Bob Marinelli has been documenting and studying action dimensions in the making of replacement keyboards over the last 5 years. The findings challenge commonly held assumptions. Downweight does not indicate when a key is balanced. The general notion that piano actions have a 1:5 ratio in key to hammer movement is false. The 2:1 key ratio is a rare bird. Classifying hammer weight to the nearest pound compromises tone and touch quality. Using parts that reproduce original dimensions often creates heavy action. Making hammers extremely light creates a "small" sound in the modern piano. Breakthrough technology now makes it possible to provide a blue print for the design of weight, leverage, and friction in piano actions. The advent of "The New Touchweight Metrology" has given birth to a new generation products and services for balancing piano tone and touch. (3 hours) (E) Grand Dampers - Ernie Juhn, Long Island-Nassau, NY Chapter This class covers installation and regulation of grand dampers, using giant models. Also covered is trouble shooting of "leaking" dampers. Many practical hints to deal with stubborn damper problem make this class unique. (1 1/2 hours) (I) Grand Piano Action Diagnostics - Willis & David Snyder, Reading-Lancaster, PA Chapter Ten action models will be set up in stations around the room. Each model will be set up with a different problem or set of problems. This class will be divided into groups of 5 technicians. Each group will examine all the models and make diagnosis of the problems found. The instructors will then discuss with the class the problems that exist in each model and provide a course of action to correct the problem. (3 hours) (A) Grand Piano Plate and Action Relationships - Alan Vincent, Geneva International This class presents information relating to the assembly of actions based on the location of the plate. If the plate is moved during re-building, the action assembly will need to be addressed also. If the plate has been mis-located to begin with, then the tone and performance of the instrument could be negatively affected. (1 1/2 hours) (I) Keyframe Restoration - David Vanderlip, Orange County, CA Chapter No action rebuilding is complete unless you restore the keys and keyframe. Many of the basics are often overlooked or are not considered important. This class will show an approach to getting the keys and keyframe ready for a fine action restoration. From polishing pins and capstans to rebushing keys, installing new backchecks, and more. (1 1/2 hours) (E) Lights, Camera, Action - Rick Florence, Phoenix, AZ Chapter The class will view footage of high-speed photography of a grand and an upright action and discuss how it affects our understanding of action parts, regulation and voicing. (1 1/2 hours) (E) New Damper Action Installation - Rick Baldassin, Renner USA The damper, or back action has often been overlooked or neglected during action restoration, although the parts themselves would warrant replacement, simply because no replacement system was available. In response to this need, Renner has produced a new underlever system kit, and in this class, Rick will teach you how to assemble and install it. (1 1/2 hours) (E) Professional In-Home Grand Action Reconditioning - Charles Ball, Austin, TX Chapter The purpose of this class is to demonstrate how grand action reconditioning can be performed routinely in the home in a thorough and efficient manner that can be rewarding and profitable for the technician and exceed the expectations of the client. This presentation will be from the unique perspective of a seasoned concert technician, accustomed to making quick evaluations and solving problems in an expeditious manner. Many short-cuts will be demonstrated, including a fast hammer filing method. (1 1/2 hours) (E) Retrofitting the Grand Action - New Parts on Old Frames - Rick Baldassin, Renner USA Many different action designs have been produced over the past 100 years. Moreover, manufacturers have changed the dimensions of their actions. In this class, Rick will teach you how to pick the correct action parts for your action restoration from the new Renner Parts Kit, including assembling a "Universal Wippen" if no exact replacements are available. (1 1/2 hours) (I) Taming the New Grand Action - Kathy Smith, Los Angeles, CA Chapter Now that you have all the new parts on that grand action, how do you get it to shape up as quickly as possible? This class offers some solutions, emphasizing the shortest path to get an action working at its best. Included are ideas on regulation, better stability, efficiency, tools, set-ups and methods. Lots of great classes cover regulation in general, or geometry and/or parts selection; this class is intended to go forward from there. (1 1/2 hours) (A) Unlocking the Mysteries of the Grand Damper System - Kevin Stock, Steinway & Sons A class for technicians with experience in advanced skill, to observe techniques in Steinway Grand Regulation adjustment. (1 1/2 hours) (E) Vertical Dampers and Spoons - Ernie Juhn, Long Island-Nassau, NY Chapter A detailed class with large models covering installation and regulation of vertical dampers and regulation of spoons. (1 1/2 hours) Hands-On Classes Regulation $35 The hands-on classes listed below require special pre-registration and a surcharge to help defray the added costs of equipment and materials used in the classes. Please note: Full convention registration fees must be paid to attend these classes. The only way to register for these classes 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 and the fees required. 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) Grand Regulation - Preparing for the Technical Exam - Bill McKaig, Southwest, FL Chapter & Jim Bryant, Northeast Florida Chapter This class will go through the steps of grand regulation to prepare the applicant for the Technical exam. The focus of the class will be understanding the criteria of the grand regulation portion of the Technical exam. The class is limited to 24 participants. All necessary tools will be supplied. You must pre-register for this class. (3 hours) * (B) Vertical Regulation - Brett Dearing and Dale Fox, Sacramento Valley, CA Chapter In this hands-on class, participants will get the chance to completely regulate a three-note action model with pedals. In addition to step-by-step procedures, this class will stress the principals of regulation, enabling participants to derive regulation specs from the piano, rather than just from a book. Also included will be troubleshooting procedures, time saving methods, tool recommendations and helpful homemade tool ideas. The class is limited to 24 participants. All necessary tools will be supplied. You must pre-register for this class. (3 hours) Applied Skills Room $20/Per Session Friday Evening and Sunday Morning Basic - Intermediate - Advanced Skills Skills-to-Go. Apply Here! Friday, 6-9 p.m. & Sunday, 8:30-noon Take home tried and tested skills! Friday night and Sunday morning at the 1997 Institute, PTG will once again present its applied skills sessions. These sessions will take place in a large hall with over a dozen hands-on work stations staffed by many of the Guild's finest instructors. Take up to twenty minutes on each subject, and head to as many tables as you would like. The takeout menu for this event includes: hammer hanging repinning action centers hammer shaping ivory chip repairs grand dampers string replacement & repairs bridge notching vertical regulation harpsichord maintenance grand keyframe bedding getting in & out of the player piano grand hammer travel & adjustment broken agraffe removal grand lyres fitting hammers to strings hammer extractions grand string seeding & leveling Instructors include: Bill Garlick Doug Neal Richard Bittner Dale Probst Doug Wood Isaac Sadigursky David Brown Peg Browne Gina Carter Shawn Hoar Ben McKlveen Norman Neblett Joe Garrett Joyce Meekins Bill MCKaig Herb Lindahl Technicians at every level of experience are welcome to try their hand at these stimulating work stations. All necessary tools and equipment will be provided. Each three-hour session will cost a nominal $20 fee and can be paid by check, cash, Visa or MasterCard. You may pre-register along with your convention registration or by calling Sandy at the Home Office. You may also register on-site. It is requested that registrants arrive at the classroom 15-30 minutes early if registering on-site. Space is limited. $20 per 3-hour session. Business Seminar (E) Appraisals and Estimates - Steve Brady, Seattle, WA Chapter In this class you will learn the difference between an appraisal and an estimate, as well as proven methods for appraising pianos and doing accurate estimates. You will actually go through the process of calculating an appraisal yourself. (1 1/2 hours) (E) Developing a Competitive Piano Rental & Sales Business - Anthony Pascone, Santa Barbara, CA Chapter Having built a successful rental business over the past 10 years, Anthony will share knowledge of purchasing and preparing pianos as well as marketing, advertising and pricing strategies. A class handout will cover rental and purchasing contracts as well as various forms developed to track the operation of the business. (1 1/2 hours) (E) Economic Freedom: Planning for Retirement - Beverly Kim, Puget Sound, WA Chapter Every working person plans to retire. These plans raise important questions. How much will you need to save and invest between now and your target retirement age? How will inflation affect you in retirement? Other questions revolve around the benefits we provide ourselves and our dependents now. We will discuss all of these topics as we prepare for our own "Economic Freedom." (1 1/2 hours) (E) The Internet for Piano Technicians: What to do Once You're On-Line - Andrew Rudoff, Boulder, CO Chapter Intended for piano technicians who already have Internet access, this class will focus on using the Internet in ways you might have missed. Topics covered in class include: web sites & the best ways to get information from the web; mailing lists and the e-mail culture; sending and receiving pictures, binary data, tuning files, etc; what you should not do over the Internet; putting your own information "out there" on the Net. (1 1/2 hours) (E) Marketing Your Business to the Top - Bob Russell, Cleveland, OH Chapter This class will explain step-by-step how to develop marketing strategies so you can become one of the highest paid professionals in our trade. The class will show you how to increase your tuning business, your climate control business, and your income! You'll learn how to refine your professional image by using common sense people skills, marketing tools, and personal presentation to increase your level of success! (1 1/2 hours) (B) The Other Keyboard - Using a Computer in Your Piano Service Business - Jeannie Grassi, Seattle, WA Chapter This class will cover the many ways a computer can be useful in a business such as ours. Discussion will be aimed to assist beginning computer users or those who are trying to decide to take the big step. Various types of software and hardware will be covered to provide a sense of the many options available. (1 1/2 hours) (E) Pricing Piano Services - Dale Probst, Texoma, TX Chapter This class will investigate pricing philosophies in piano and other technical service professions. The relationships between professional pricing and cost, value, profit, and quality of life will be explored. (1 1/2 hours) (E) Taking the "WAR" Out of Warranty Service - Brian De Tar, Yamaha What's the secret to successfully resolving conflict between a customer and a "problem" with their piano? It may not be what you think. This new class will leave you uplifted and filled with ideas to improve your "conflict resolution" success rate. The information gained here will translate directly into a more self-reliant approach to customer satisfaction. (1 1/2 hours) (E) Tax Strategies for Piano Technicians - W. Murray Bradford, CPA Learn how to keep the money you make in your pocket. This professional tax reduction class will help you do that. You may register along with your convention registration or by calling Sandy at the Home Office. You may also register on-site. It is requested that registrants arrive at the classroom 15-30 minutes early if registering on-site. Space is limited. (This class is open to Convention and Auxiliary registrants and spouses.) $65.00 Sat., 8 a.m.-Noon Business Roundtables - Sunday 8:30 a.m. - Noon Has something about your business got you stumped? Want to talk about it? Come to the new Business Roundtables on Sunday morning where you can join a small group of technicians gathered around a table to explore a topic of vital interest to your business. The discussion will be facilitated by a technician who's knowledgeable about the topic. Subjects at the roundtables will include all of the eight business seminar classes: warranty work, piano rentals, planning for retirement, marketing, estimates and appraisals, setting our fees, basic computers, and the Internet. (It's not necessary to have attended the class before coming to the roundtables.) In addition, we'll offer roundtables on such topics as using subcontractors, how to reduce unwanted business, and the pros and cons of incorporating. Here's how it works: In one of the large classrooms will be about a dozen round tables with a facilitator and a sign at each one, indicating the discussion topic for that table. When you arrive at the classroom, simply sit down at the table of your choice and you'll have 45 minutes to ask questions and share information with the facilitator and your peers. At the end of the 45 minutes, you'll switch to another table with a new business topic. Since the roundtables will run both first and second periods on Sunday, each person will have the opportunity to participate in 4 different discussions. Take advantage of this opportunity to mine the rich vein of your peers' information and experience. The Business Roundtables - bring your questions to the table, leave with answers. See description of these topics under Business Seminar Classes (E) Appraisals and Estimates - Steve Brady, Seattle, WA Chapter (E) The Internet for Piano Technicians: What To Do Once You're On-Line - Andrew Rudoff, Boulder, CO Chapter (E) Marketing Your Business to the Top - Bob Russell, Cleveland, OH Chapter (E) The Other Keyboard - Using a Computer in Your Piano Service Business - Jeannie Grassi, Seattle, WA Chapter (E) Planning for Retirement - Beverly Kim, Puget Sound, WA Chapter (E) Pricing Piano Services - Dale Probst, Texoma, TX Chapter (E) Renting Pianos - Anthony Pascone, Santa Barbara, CA Chapter (E) Taking the "WAR" Out of Warranty Service - Brian De Tar, Yamaha (E) Increase Your Income Thru Subcontracting - Gina Carter, Charlotte, NC Chapter Discussion will focus on the problems and solutions to using subcontractors for specialized areas of our business. (E) Reducing Unwanted Business: How to Cut Back on Work Gracefully and Profitably - LaRoy Edwards, Yamaha Discussion will focus on what to do with your business when you've got more than enough. (E) Why Incorporate - Laura Kunsky, Waukegan, IL Chapter Discussion will encompass the positive and negative aspects of incorporation for people in the piano service business. Design & Manufacture Classes (I) Add a Foot to Your Piano - Rescale! - Dr. Al Sanderson and David Sanderson, Inventronics You may wonder if rescaling a piano really pays off, but it's a fact that the average 5-foot grand sounds more like a 6-foot grand with a new scale design and low-inharmonicity bass strings. We will show you how to add this "acoustic foot" to your too-short baby or teen-age grands. The technical aspects of modern string design will be covered briefly, and then we will get into the "how-to" stages-how to make the necessary physical measurements of the old scale, how to improve the line of the bridge when recapping, and how to change plain wires to wound strings at the break when necessary. Selling the job is crucial, so we will also have some practical suggestions on how to sell this "acoustic foot" to your customer. (1 1/2 hours) (E) All About Piano Plates - Robert Beck, New Jersey Chapter Slide tour of the plate making process. Actual foundry artifacts and materials displayed. Discussion of plate repairs, refinishing and handling. Vacuum process ("V-Pro") casting explained. Practical solutions to piano plate problems will be discussed. (3 hours) (E) Building the Boston Piano - Kevin Stock, Steinway & Sons A class prepared for piano technicians presenting the history, purpose, design, and construction of the Boston Piano. (1 1/2 hours) (E) Construction and Manufacture of Piano Hammers - Norbert Abel, Helmut Abel Piano Hammer Company of Germany Learn the preparations and components to manufacture piano hammers and how hammers are created. Norbert will also show the making of custom hammers for antique pianos. He is a manager of Helmut Abel Piano Hammer Company, learning quality piano hammer construction from his father who has been a hammerhead maker for more than 35 years. (1 1/2 hours) (E) Woven Felt - Where Is It Used? - Peter Van Stratum - Charles House & Son Slide tour of our felt mill (a 128-year-old company). Peter will discuss applications and features of various action felt; what makes good bushing cloth, and some general discussion. (1 1/2 hours) General Classes (E) The History of Mason & Hamlin - Paul Monachino, Mason & Hamlin The amazing story of the phoenix-like Mason & Hamlin Piano Company (1854-1997) from a 50 year veteran. The making, the design, the piano and its latest resurrection by Music Systems Research. (1 1/2 hours) R. Bruce Hoadley Wood Technologist Featured Instructor The 1997 Technical Institute will feature nine class hours on wood technology, presented by Professor Bruce Hoadley. Professor Hoadley grew up in Naugatuck, Connecticut in the 1940s. His boyhood fascination with the woodlands surrounding his home and his experiments in cabinet making, carpentry and whittling led first to a degree in forestry from the University of Connecticut, and later to a doctorate in wood technology from Yale. Today, in addition to teaching and research at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Hoadley leads frequent workshops in carving and in wood identification. He is a contributing editor to Fine Woodworking magazine, and has written articles for the International Wood Collectors Society Bulletin, Forest Products Journal and Chip Chats. He is the author of two highly respected books; Understanding Wood and a second book, Identifying Wood; both published by The Tauton Press. Professor Hoadley's period 1 and 2 classes on Saturday, Understanding Wood, will be opened to anyone registered for classes. Understanding Wood - A macro- and microscopic exploration of the three-dimensional cellular structure of wood and its variable nature, plus a comparative survey of the more important species used by woodworkers. The second two class periods on Saturday and the two class periods on Sunday, a total of 6 hours, will require pre-registration with a $40 fee for this special presentation. This exceptional session will cover: The Properties of Wood; a summary of the more important physical and mechanical properties of wood and their relationship to woodworking. Wood & Moisture, Part I will cover basics of wood-moisture relationships and the process of lumber drying, with emphasis on moisture content and stresses in lumber. Part II addresses basics of moisture-related dimensional changes in wood and the problems of controlling or dealing with dimensional instability in wood products. The final session Wood Gluing Checklist encompasses the twelve fundamentals necessary to successful gluing and the most common causes of problems in adhesive bonding of wood. You may pre-register along with your convention registration or by calling Sandy at the Home Office. You may also register on-site. It is requested that registrants arrive at the classroom 15-30 minutes early if registering on-site. Space is limited. 6 hours; Sat. 1:30-5:00 and Sun. 8:30-Noon. This class require a $40.00 pre-registration fee Health Classes (E)Hearing Tests - Ever wonder just how your ears measure up? In Orlando you can check out the tuner's most important tool, with a minimum of hassle. For only $15 and 5-10 minutes of your time, the Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center will test to see if there's a problem with your hearing. You'll also receive a copy of the test results to take home. Schedule your hearing test today by calling Sandy at the Home Office (816)753-7747. You may also register on-site if room permits. (E) Avoiding Aches & Pains: A Healthy Approach to Piano Technology - John Foy, Central North Carolina Chapter Piano technology is hard work. Chronic pain, however, does not have to be our reward for success. This class will examine the sources of muscular injury in our profession and will provide guidelines for healthy work habits. Stretching exercises that can be used every workday will be taught. We will also look at various means to recovery and sources of treatment from the health care community. (1 1/2 hours) (E) Chemistry for Piano Technicians - Doug Wood, Seattle, WA Chapter A little bit of basic chemistry can go a long way in understanding the chemicals we use in our work. Some of them are hazardous, and some work better than others. How can you tell? We will cover a little chemistry, Material Safety Data Sheets, a variety of common chemicals, and how to evaluate chemicals you are not already familiar with. (1 1/2 hours) (E) You Should Hear What You're Missing - Dr. Robert Fifer, Audiologist This presentation will review the fundamentals of hearing and the effects and prevention of hearing loss. We will discuss how the ear responds to loud sounds, both in terms of perception as well as damage to the ear. We will also cover changes due to aging and how this influences speech perception and music appreciation. (1 1/2 hours) Player Pianos & Electronics Classes (B) Restoring & Repairing of Vintage Player Pianos - Ferdinand Pointer - Southwest Florida Chapter This class is for technicians with an interest or need to gain the basic knowledge of how to begin restoring a player piano from the early 1900's. Emphasis will be on 88-note foot-pump players. Covered through discussion, slides, and hands-on materials, topics will include: How a pneumatic player works, materials needed for repairs, how to cover a pneumatic, make a gasket, unclog a bleed, replace a pouch, etc. Additionally, information on how to differentiate a reproducer from a Recordo or 88-note player will be covered. A complete hand-out of resources and materials will be provided. (1 1/2 hours) (E) Servicing the Disklavier & Silent Piano - Bill Brandom, Yamaha This class will give you a good overview of the features and functions found in the Disklavier and Silent upright and grand pianos. We'll include general tuning and regulating service, action removal, and a peek at the functions of the exciting new instruments. You will get a first-hand look at these acoustic/digital hybrid pianos. You'll emerge with a taste of the exciting music potential in these remarkable piano systems for the future. (1 1/2 hours) (A) Servicing the System - Donald Dusenbury, PianoDisc This 6-hour class will qualify the technician to service the PianoDisc system. There will be a certificate sent and you will be listed at the factory to receive Technical Bulletins. (Please note that this class will be held all day Friday at the Holiday Inn.) (B) Servicing Player Pianos From the 1950s-1980s - Ferdinand Pointer, Southwest Florida Chapter This class will teach the non-player technician how to identify and solve common problems associated with players from this period. Through slides, discussion, and hands-on materials the technician will learn about tracking devices, action cut-out valves, replacement of plastic unit valves, linkage adjustments, fuses, electrical problems, and transmissions. Aeolian, Kimball, Universal, Wurlitzer, and Kohler & Campbell will be covered. Hand-outs will include a troubleshooting guide and resource directory. (1 1/2 hours) (I) QuietTime - A Marriage of Acoustic & Keyboard - Donald Dusenbury, PianoDisc We will present an overview of our QuietTime product and how to install it. (1 1/2 hours)
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