And you can do that by yourself?
Even if you aren't a 400-pound guy, you
can switch a concert grand from dolly to casters all by yourself, or vice
versa. Or pop off a leg to change a caster, do a repair, and so on. Always
certain to impress the stagehands! There are several methods shown in this
new class, with plenty of slides and descriptions. Equipment requirements
can be minimal, and methods can be applied to many home, school, or stage
situations.
Bedding the Grand Keyframe: A Fast and Firm Foundation - Chris
Brown, RPT
Chris will describe, demonstrate, and encourage the class to try a new,
fast, and foolproof balance rail protocol. Set in a logical and methodical
series of steps designed to accomplish the most with the least, this method
of bedding leaves the topstack passively (as opposed to stressfully) fit
to the keyframe and the keyframe balanced and fully connected to the keybed.
Bond, James Bond – Jim Coleman, JR., RPT
Super Duper superglues! We will show many uses in/on pianos, the car, boat,
house, kitchen, etc. Also some uses to avoid….like keeping body parts
from touching other body parts!
Working with Bento 4 Database - Debra Cyr, RPT
Are you an "i"techie - using an iphone, ipod, or ipad in part
of your business? If so, why not put your customer database right there
at your fingertips? Come find out how Bento 4 works, and how easy it
is to create your own customer files and how easy it is to use!
Efficient Hammer Shaping – Paul Revenko-Jones, RPT
This class demonstrates how to efficiently achieve a proper, and consistent,
hammer shape across the entire hammer set using only two tools.
Effective Weight Control – Wally Brooks, RPT
A straightforward class to prepare you with the proper technical knowledge
for parts selection. Weight measurement and action preparation to effectively
control weight and playability of replacement action parts and hammers.
First, Do No Harm – Steve Brady, RPT
A look at the ways in which technicians sometimes damage the pianos they
service, as well as the ways they tend to damage their own bodies while
servicing pianos. Methods and suggestions for preventing damage to the
pianos and to ourselves are discussed.
Grand Damper Regulation with 3 Tools – Scott Jones, RPT
Working on dampers is, for many technicians, forbidden territory! We’ll
review a streamlined and efficient way to get the most results from the
least number of tools. Video close ups and voluntary class participation
included. Imagine that; regulating dampers in front of a room full of
your colleagues. That’s a great confidence builder!
Grand Piano Damper Wire Replacement – Eric Schandall, RPT
It can be useful to know how to replace a damper wire when it is beyond
repair. Try your hand at making the bends and inserting the wire in a
damper head. This can be for repair or for building a new set from scratch.
Impact Tuning Hammer Technique – Nate Reyburn, RPT
Impact tuning can reduce the strain on your body and allow you to tune
with ease, stability and speed using fine control instead of upper body
strength. This technique requires a different type tuning tool than the
standard rigid tuning lever. In this hands on class, we'll demo the basics
of how to hold and manipulate the impact hammer and the different types
available. Your body is one of your most important tools, and managing
the strain on it is crucial whether you're just starting out or have
been tuning for years.
Perfecting Proposals - Dale Probst, RPT
Creating honest and accurate job proposals can be difficult due to the
complexity of pianos and their owners. There are four concepts that are
helpful in clarifying the process and improving satisfaction for all concerned.
Reading Downbearing Gauges - Nick Gravagne, RPT
The bubble gage (aka component bearing gage) will be demonstrated and compared
to both the dial-type bearing gage and a Wixey digital readout gage.
Reading bearing gages represents a required skill set for piano technicians.
A small handy chart of useful data will be made available to attendees
only.
Retrofitting a Steinway Damper Tray with Adjustable Capstans -
David Love, RPT
Replacing the damper tray felt with adjustable capstans allows a more precise
and easier regulation.
Sharpening Stuff - David Vanderlip, RPT
This 40 minute session will concentrate on methods of sharpening
chisels, plane blades, etc., that will help you get repeatable edges on your
tools. Keep your everyday tools as sharp as you can, quickly and easily.
Come see what methods we prefer.
Tenor Tensions Tethered Today – Mike Reiter, RPT
How
many of you have struggled with feeding the new strings through and under
the bass strings only to find that you have irretrievably wrapped around
other unisons? In this class Mike Reiter will demonstrate several ways
to deal with the situation, ensure success, perform the repair efficiently
and be able to keep some of your sanity.
Tool Time – Keith Bowman, RPT & Mike Carraher, RPT
Renner USA has developed a line of fixtures for action rebuilding and reconditioning,
as well as action regulation. Keith and Mike will demonstrate the most popular
fixtures, including hammer boring and shaping, as well as some brand new
additions to the line. Check out this product tour with a practical application.
Upright Spoon Bending for Even Touch – Don Mannino, RPT
Demonstration of tools and techniques for accurate and speedy setting of
the damper lift in upright pianos. There will be an opportunity for some
class attendees to try the technique for themselves.
1916 Tuner’s Knot Everything Old is New Again – Larry Messerly,
RPT
Come learn some modern twists on this knot published in the American Guild
of Piano Technicians magazine in 1912. You will be amazed and astounded
at how simple it is to tie and how much has changed since 1916 (Vice-Grips).
Create your own sample to take home.
I got my first store tuning job when starting out by impressing the store
owner that I could tie a knot in piano wire without referring to literature
or a sample kept in my tuning kit.