<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" = xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" = xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" = xmlns:st1="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" = xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"> <head> <meta http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; = charset=us-ascii"> <meta name=ProgId content=Word.Document> <meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 11"> <meta name=Originator content="Microsoft Word 11"> <link rel=File-List href="cid:filelist.xml@01C5C99C.23EA5C90"> <link rel=Edit-Time-Data href="cid:editdata.mso"> <o:SmartTagType namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" = name="Street"/> <o:SmartTagType = namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="address"/> <o:SmartTagType = namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="City"/> <o:SmartTagType = namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"/>  <style>  </style>  </head> <body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple = style='tab-interval:.5in' id="role_body" bottomMargin=7 leftmargin=7 topmargin=7 rightMargin=7> <div class=Section1> Amen, David.  As one just learning the = business, I’m still pondering the subtleties of the Overs = Action (still surfing all the weird patents in my spare time, too).  The inclined capstan certainly = seems an improvement long overdue.  = But resistance to  “improvement” in an entrenched industry is something I run into everyday in my current = (don’t say “real”) job.  It’s really tough to push an old industry forward—but we must = persevere!  Good luck, Ron, and I = can’t wait ‘till my first encounter!<o:p></o:p> John<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <div> <div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'> <hr size=2 width="100%" align=center tabindex=-1> </div> From: = pianotech-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org] On Behalf Of Porritt, David Sent: Wednesday, October = 05, 2005 9:32 AM To: Pianotech Subject: RE: Rebuilders = gallery at national in <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place = w:st="on">Rochester</st1:place></st1:City> (was News andRochester)<o:p></o:p> </div> <o:p> </o:p> Dale:<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Thanks for sharing these details with the list.  I believe = that if PTG will continue to support this kind of creative work it will stay a = viable organization that supports the piano and innovation.  Without going = in this direction there is the danger that the convention could just become a = dreary gathering of us pin-twisters going to the same classes, and griping = about the same problems.  <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Soapbox warning --------<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> I have been energized by the possibility of improvement in our = chosen instrument for a while.  Now that we have a real, improved, better-than-you’re-used-to piano here on campus I have some hope = that this spirit of further development can really catch on.  One of the = many problems with thinking that the piano is now as good as it can be is = that you can’t innovate.  If you change something, that is a tacit = admission that the piano wasn’t perfect before.  Fortunately most = industries don’t have that approach to their products.  Yes, the = overhead valve engine is an admission that the flat head engine was not perfect.  = The MRI is an admission that x-rays and CT scans were not perfect.  How on = earth did we get to the point where we thought the piano had fully = evolved?  That really is a true mystery to me!<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> --------off soapbox.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Sorry!<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> dp<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <div> David M. Porritt<o:p></o:p> <a = href="mailto:dporritt@smu.edu">dporritt@smu.edu</a><o:p><= /o:p> </div> <div> <div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'> <hr size=2 width="100%" align=center tabindex=-1> </div> From: pianotech-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org] On Behalf Of = Erwinspiano@aol.com Sent: Wednesday, October = 05, 2005 8:38 AM To: pianotech@ptg.org Subject: Rebuilders = gallery at national in <st1:City w:st="on">Rochester</st1:City> (was News and = <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City = w:st="on">Rochester</st1:City></st1:place>)<o:p></o:p></p= > </div> <o:p> </o:p> <div> <div>   Gordon<o:p></o:p> </div> <div>   Well if it's not been news = here on list yet , I guess it will be now. The short answer is yes, these pianos = will be on display , I think in a separate area in or from the usual exhibit hall.  This will be  called a "Rebuilders = Gallery" &  in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City = w:st="on">Rochester</st1:City></st1:place>  these pianos can be played , heard & admired.  = <o:p></o:p> </div> <div>    Rick Florence the = institute director has invited 8 Rebuilders to bring a piano & teach a one = class period  extolling the virtue of their particular designs etc. The pianos will be = in seen & heard in class & also arrangements are being made to hear = these pianos in some sort of performance venue.<o:p></o:p> </div> <div>    So far the 8 are Ron Nossaman, Terry Farrell, David Hughes Shawn Hoar, Ron Overs, Dale Erwin, = Chris Robinson  & the last one escapes me right = now.<o:p></o:p> </div> <div>   My own feeling is that a = display of this kind supports, encourages & promotes member creativity & enthusiasm & also affirms the merits of on going = edjucation.<o:p></o:p> </div> <div>    So bring your = doubting Thomas on over & let her decide for herself.<o:p></o:p> </div> <div>  I am honored to be included = with such esteemed company.<o:p></o:p> </div> <div>     = <o:p></o:p> </div> <div> Dale Erwin<o:p></o:p> </div> <blockquote style='border:none;border-left:solid blue = 1.5pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt; margin-left:3.75pt;margin-top:5.0pt;margin-bottom:5.0pt'> Will it be possible for the = "general public" to see these pianos? I have a  friend in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City = w:st="on">Rochester</st1:City></st1:place>, a physicist with a concert pianist wife, who snorted " How can you possibly improve a Steinway !?!"      Thump<o:p></o:p> </blockquote> </div> <div>  <o:p></o:p>= </div> <div>  <o:p></o:p>= </div> <div> Erwins Pianos Restorations <st1:Street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">4721 Parker = Rd.</st1:address></st1:Street> <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City = w:st="on">Modesto</st1:City></st1:place>, Ca 95357 209-577-8397 Rebuilt Steinway , Mason &Hamlin Sales www.Erwinspiano.com<o:p></o:p> </div> </div> </body> </html>