<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=Generator content="Microsoft Word 11 (filtered medium)"> <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" downloadurl="http://www.5iantlavalamp.com/"/>  <style>  </style> </head> <body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple id="role_body" = bottomMargin=7 leftmargin=7 topmargin=7 rightMargin=7> <div class=Section1> 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:City w:st="on"><st1:place = w:st="on">Rochester</st1:place></st1:City>)<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:City w:st="on"><st1:place = w:st="on">Rochester</st1:place></st1:City>  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:City w:st="on"><st1:place = w:st="on">Rochester</st1:place></st1:City>, 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:City w:st="on"><st1:place = w:st="on">Modesto</st1:place></st1:City>, Ca 95357 209-577-8397 Rebuilt Steinway , Mason &Hamlin Sales www.Erwinspiano.com<o:p></o:p> </div> </div> </body> </html>