Piano Technicians Guild
WESTPAC - Western and Pacific Regional Conference
February 26-March 1, 2015
DoubleTree by Hilton , Ontario, CA
Conference Schedule in Calendar Format [PDF] [revised 2/27/15]
Schedule by Class Category [PDF] [revised 2/27/15]
Rebuilding, Action Work, Modifications and Physics in Pianos
NOTE: Click on an instructor's name to see a bio.
Action Parts Replacement:
“What you didn’t know was possible!”
Randy Morton [Pacific Piano Supply Company/Tokiwa Action Parts]
Randy Morton - Pacific Piano Supply/Tokiwa Action Parts
Randy Morton is the president of Pacific Piano Supply Co. Randy, along with his brother Rob Morton and Mike Farnell operate the company at the Chatsworth CA location. Paicific Piano Supply Co. was founded in 1946 by Don Morton - PTG Past President and Golden Hammer recipient. Since 1992 Pacific Piano Supply Co. has been the exclusive USA and Canada distributor of the Tokiwa Action Parts. Randy has made numerous trips to the Tokiwa factory in Hamamatsu Japan.
This class will focus on complete action replacement for Grands and Uprights. Many different parts choices are available today. This class will primarily deal with the Tokiwa Action Parts. Goal of the instructor is to convey what to look for in order to determine if a vintage action can be replaced, and how to "set-up" new parts that may not exactly match the originals. There will be a complimentary tool given to each attendee.
Action Weigh-Off Simplified
Steve Schell, RPT and Bruce Stevens, RPT
Bruce Stevens, RPT
Bruce Stevens connection to the piano began at age 7 when he started piano lessons. By the end of High School, he was an accomplished classical pianist. After two years of college studying electronics, he started his career as a piano technician in 1978. His business today includes in-home service and complete restoration of fine pianos. His service to the Piano Technicians Guild has included classes at the chapter, regional conference and annual conventions; leadership as president in the South Bay chapter, Conference Director several times for the California State Conference, Conference Coordinator and Board President of the California State Conference, Board President and current Institute Director for the WestPac Conference and last but not least, service to the Piano Technicians Guild Annual Convention as AV Director.
David Stanwood's Balance Weight method of weighing off keys in grand actions has proven itself in use for more than twenty years. The instructors have innovated a quick and easy method using two Spurlock stacked weights, which greatly speeds up the procedure and provides consistent results. Other considerations of fine grand action work such as geometry, action ratio, inertia, parts selection and hammer preparation will also be covered. With time permitting, you will have a hands-on opportunity to experience this method of weigh-off. If you have been apprehensive about any of this work you should gain confidence after attending this Sunday morning 2-period class.
All About Hammers
Melanie Brooks and Norbert Abel [Abel Hammer Company]
Norbert Abel - Abel Hammer Company
Norbert
Abel has been working in the hammer making business for more than 25 years.
He learned his skills for making hammers from his father Helmut. Besides his
daily work in production, Norbert is responsible for the commercial part of
the Abel Hammer Company. In the past 15 years, Norbert has taught at more than
50 seminars in the United States, Australia, Korea, Japan and Europe. Norbert's
goal is to steadily improve the felt material and hammer production process.
From 2003 to 2006, he was largely involved in a felt research project sponsored
by the European community. The first goal of this research was to find out
the status of the felt quality from different manufacturers. The second goal
was to develop a high quality felt material. This felt is now used in the hammer
production of the Abel Hammer Company under the name Abel Natural Felt.
Melanie Brooks - Brooks LTD
Melanie
is a third generation PTG member. After obtaining a BA degree in Economics
and Business and working in the corporate arena for nearly a decade, she returned
to Brooks LTD a family owned piano parts business in 1995, focusing on
marketing and technical services. In 2009 she purchased Brooks LTD,
carrying into a second generation a close collaboration with technicians and
rebuilders providing innovative and specialized products.
Take a microscopic tour into the depths of a piano hammer. Learn about the making of felt, the process of manufacturing piano hammers and what’s different about Natural Felt. We will discuss how to control weight and touch through hammer selection and information needed for boring hammers. You will also learn grand hammer hanging on old and new shanks and flanges as well as using pre-hung hammers.
Composite Action Parts Revolution
Bruce Clark and Mark Burgett, RPT [Wessell, Nickel & Gross]
Bruce Clark - Wessell, Nickel& Gross
Bruce Clark grew up working in the shop at his father's piano store in Kansas. After college, he began his associations with several manufacturers including Falcone and the Mason & Hamlin division of the Aeolian American Corp. Today he is a senior Design Engineer at Mason & Hamlin and Wessell, Nickel & Gross. Among other achievements, Bruce was the lead design engineer on the new Mason & Hamlin AA-64, B-S4 and CC-94, and also served as one of the lead design engineers for the Wessell, Nickel & Gross Composite Action project.
Mark Burgett, RPT - Wessell, Nickel & Gross
Mark started his career in the piano business in 1981 with his brothers Gary and Kirk under the tutoring of Paul Magee in the Sacramento Chapter. In 1988 when PianoDisc was established, Mark was active in training technicians in installation, technical support and development and testing of new product. In 2007 when the company started development of the Composite Action Parts under the name of Wessell, Nickel and Gross, Mark took an active part of educating, marketing and quality control this revolutionary product. Today Mark continues to manage PianoDisc the WNG production, technical support, quality control, training, sales and is involved with the development of new product.
This class will explain the use, value and practicality of the composite parts
- Application- Maintenance problems that disappear
- Versatility and customization of Repetitions/Shank & Flange
- Procedures for hanging hammers on composite shanks
- High speed video of wood vs composite
- Vertical parts availability
- Directions for creating scale sticks, (handouts)
Installing the WNG Plate Perimeter Support Bolts
Nick Gravagne, RPT
Nick
Gravagne has been a prolific writer for the Piano Technicians Journal, as well
as a frequent teacher at P.T.G. National and State Conventions, and many regional
seminars and technicals nationwide. A technician since 1973, and an RPT since
1975, much of Nick's business currently revolves around rebuilding and soundboard
manufacture for the trade, and is active in concert prep and maintenance of
fine grand pianos. Nick has also served as the Technical Service Manager for
Kawai America Pianos. His credentials and awards include a BA from William
Paterson University, an AST in Mechanical Engineering, and the PTG Member of
Note Award. Nick most recently received the Hall of Fame Award at the Annual
Convention in Seattle.
A how-to class PowerPoint and discussion on the varied and many aspects of installing the WNG Plate Bolts. What to consider at the outset, what tools to use, and how to carry out and finalize the process for a neat, professional job.
Key Leads -- Modifying the Existing Scale
Nick Gravagne, RPT
Nick
Gravagne has been a prolific writer for the Piano Technicians Journal, as well
as a frequent teacher at P.T.G. National and State Conventions, and many regional
seminars and technicals nationwide. A technician since 1973, and an RPT since
1975, much of Nick's business currently revolves around rebuilding and soundboard
manufacture for the trade, and is active in concert prep and maintenance of
fine grand pianos. Nick has also served as the Technical Service Manager for
Kawai America Pianos. His credentials and awards include a BA from William
Paterson University, an AST in Mechanical Engineering, and the PTG Member of
Note Award. Nick most recently received the Hall of Fame Award at the Annual
Convention in Seattle.
The idea is this: you have rebuilt the grand action with new hammers and parts; the geometry is perhaps (usually) different leaving you with touch weights all over the place. Typically on a Steinway you now are faced with the task of removing lead. But which leads, or how many, or how about partially drilling out a key lead? This class details a neat and efficient procedure for re-weighing the keyboard.
New Touch Tools
Scott Jones, RPT [PitchLock, Inc.]
Scott Jones, RPT - PitchLock Inc.
Scott
Jones began his career as a piano technician in 1984, after receiving a BM
degree in music composition from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
From 1989 to 2001, he was employed by Steinway & Sons, New York, where
he held positions as concert technician, technical seminar instructor and product
development technician. From 2001 to present, he developed the PitchLock string
coupler and TouchRail systems. Scott has authored 6 U.S. patents in the field
of Piano Technology, most recently receiving a patent for the TouchRail concept.
PitchLock Inc. continues to develop tools and techniques that improve both piano performance and service. In addition to our popular TOUCHRAIL, we will see how the new DIALaPRESS, TOUCHSCALE and FELT KEY PLUGS (as seen in our recent PTG Journal ads) can make touch weight adjustment more accurate and profitable.
"Not So Boring Uprights"
Paul Rea [Hailun Pianos]
Paul Rea - Hailun Pianos - Vienna International
Paul Rea is the Director of Product Development & Quality Control for Hailun, Sauter & Petrof. He applies his knowledge of quality and production while dedicating nine months out of the year working in the factory. Directing all aspects "from birth to box!" A European, Asian, and US factory trained Technician, Paul says that with 39 plus years in the music industry "There is nothing I can't do to a piano, and if there is… I know someone who can." As a certified Piano Disc and QRS player system installer/technician, and quite proficient at touch up and repair of polyester and conventional finishes, Paul has "sat in every seat in the house" from bookkeeping, salesman, store manager, technician, factory tech, as well as owning a retail store with his parents. Paul also owned a successful tuning, rebuilding, refinishing and piano moving company for 25 plus years.
Hailun Pianos is offering this new 2-period hands-on class for WestPac V! Because of the conference location in Ontario, we will bring our shop equipment and share how to choose, bore and install your own upright hammers. Upright action rebuilding will be covered and we will include tricks to making an action not only function at the highest level but look as good as it plays. We will show you what you need, where to get it and how to sell it. This will be a hands-on class useful for those who want to rebuild and those who just want to make better repairs!
Physics for the Piano Technician
Roger Gable, RPT [Moondog Manufacturing] and Anthony Willey, RPT
Anthony Willey, RPT
Anthony Willey offers more than 10 years of experience in piano technology. He underwent 4 years of training at the Brigham Young University piano shop under technicians Keith Kopp and James Busby, and is a Registered Piano Technician with the Piano Technicians Guild, having passed a series of examinations on the maintenance, repair, and tuning of pianos. Anthony tunes using a combination of professional piano tuning software and aural tuning. Anthony also holds a Masters degree in physics from Brigham Young University, and has 25 years of experience as a classical musician, playing and teaching multiple instruments including the string bass, violin and piano. He also designed and built a fully functional harpsichord. He has tuned for various artists, including The Piano Guys, Peter Breinholt, and The 5 Browns.
This new class is designed to give piano technicians a thorough understanding of the basic concept of physics as applied in our craft. The session begins with coverage in basic math and Newtonian physics such as vectors, forces, torque, acceleration and friction, proceeding through the understanding of energy, motion, oscillators, waves, and mechanical impedance.
Interesting demonstrations will be presented to prepare the technician to use physics in their own lives and profession, for problem solving and to see the world through the eyes that know physics. This 2-period class will only be presented Sunday morning.
The Grand Action: Assessment to Touch Design
Bob Marinelli, RPT [Pianotek Supply Company] and Anne Garee, RPT [Program Director for Piano Technology, Florida State University]
Robert A. Marinelli, RPT - Pianotek Supply Company
Robert Marinelli, founder and president of Pianotek Supply Co., has been an RPT since 1976. He began his technical career working in a cabinet shop with Henry Ford's personal cabinetmaker. He owned and operated a piano rebuilding shop in the Detroit area for seven years. At Pianotek, Bob has been involved with new product development and manufacturing replacement keyboards for the trade. He is an active clinician both in the U.S. and abroad.
Anne Garee, RPT - Florida State University
Anne
Garee, Program Director for Piano Technology, has enjoyed her career as piano
technician at the Florida State University College of Music since 1983. She
joined the faculty in 2004 and directs the Master of Arts in Piano Technology
program mentoring trained piano technicians in one of the most comprehensive
colleges of music in the nation She holds a Bachelor of Music degree
in Piano Performance and completed a three year apprenticeship program for
the Certificate in Piano Technology from the Bowling Green State University
in Ohio. A Registered Piano Technician with the Piano Technicians Guild, she
is an active clinician both in the U.S. and abroad.
For 3 consecutive periods Saturday, participate in a hands-on Pianotek Master class in grand action renovation. Remedy problem actions, learn methods of analysis, diagnosis, and design, and apply action geometry, friction analysis, and final touch design. Teams interpret measurements to identify action ratio for component balancing. Gain a keen understanding of cause and effect of choosing replacement parts. Small groups, and personalized attention from your instructors.
Level: Intermediate to Advanced: must be thoroughly familiar with grand
action regulation.
Prince Albert's Erard: Restorative Conservation of a Royal's Piano
Ken Eschete, RPT, RPT
Ken Eschete has been tuning and restoring pianos since 1974. He has held RPT membership in the Piano Technicians Guild (1976 - 2012), and membership in Australasian Piano Technicians (2011-2013). Having undergone conservation training at the Smithsonian and Colonial Williamsburg, Ken achieved Professional Associate membership in the American Institute for Conservation.
Following his initial training at North Bennett Street School, Ken started a business in his native New Orleans restoring modern and historic pianos. He went on to become Director of Keyboard Maintenance at Northwestern University in Evanston, Il., where he lead a team of technicians and served as primary concert tuner. Following his retirement from NU, Ken moved to Auckland, NZ where he was the concert tuner for Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. He is now a happy resident of Spokane, USA.
The Restoration of the Prince Albert Erard grand piano at the Smithsonian Institution, focusing on two conservation treatments that brought this piano from Balmoral Castle in Scotland to the the stage of the Smithsonian Hall of Musical Instruments. This presentation will be augmented by a discussion about the recent publication of Conservation Guidelines for Historic Pianos. The guidelines are intended to help when encountering potentially significant instruments. We technicians are on the front lines and need to know how to safeguard cultural property.
Ronsen, America's Piano Hammer Maker
Dale Erwin, RPT, Starr Taylor, RPT, and Ray Negron [Ronsen Piano Hammer Company - Hudson-Adirondack, NY]
Dale Erwin, RPT
Dale is a second-generation piano technician. His father, Harold, received training
from the venerable William Braid White in 1950. Belonging to a deeply musical
family prepared Dale for a career in custom piano restoration and rebuilding.
His wife Trix and son Dennis work together with Dale at the family business,
Erwin's Piano Restorations in Modesto, California.
Although he started out as a field technician for his dad's Yamaha franchise, his passion for creating his own sound and touch took him out of the field and into the shop full time. His 35-year journey has been one of incredible discovery, high enthusiasm and rich experience -- both personal and musical -- and a steep, constant learning curve, in pursuit of what he terms the "golden piano tone".
His newest ventures are building soundboard panels and pinblocks for the trade, as well as being a Ronsen sales & technical rep. His trademark soundboard design, the "variable radius" soundboard, has been displayed and heard at conventions since the early1990s, including Rochester 2006 and Anaheim 2008.
Starr Taylor, RPT
Starr
Taylor has been tuning and rebuilding pianos since 1985. He studied aural
piano tuning with Andrew Snowden from 1985-1987 and was doing terrible tunings
for the first couple of years. A journeyman machinist, he brings a high tolerance
viewpoint to working with wood. An advocate of Stanwood action protocols and Ronsen
Piano hammers, he strives for a smooth warm tone when installing soundboards. A
guild member since 1988, he is past-president of the local PTG Chapter #337.
Ray Negron - Ronsen Piano Hammer Co.
Ray
is a second generation piano hammer maker, following in the footsteps of his
father, Marty Negron, who was co-founder of Ronsen Piano Hammer Co. as well
as former manager at Pfriemer Piano Hammer Co. Ray started working summers
at Ronsen in 1961, and has been working full time since 1971, becoming company
president in 1983. Ray is always looking to learn more about piano hammers,
and enjoys talking with piano technicians regarding hammers, but will always
find time for a conversation about baseball. www.ronsen-hammer.com
Ray Negron, Dale Erwin and Starr Taylor will walk you through a tour of the Ronsen Piano Hammer Co. You will observe the manufacturing process used to build piano hammers the Ronsen way. We'll discuss the merits of the 4 different felts and molding choices available, including our newest felt offering, the legendary "Weickert" felt by Wurzen co. Germany. This amazing felt was the choice of Steinway, Mason & Hamlin & many other piano makers for 90 years prior to WW-2. Now it's back, made from original recipes and formulas. Hear what techs are saying about this amazing felt and the tonal transformations it yields.
Voicing tips are offered to achieve the best sound possible from the various hammers fabricated at the Ronsen workshop.
See clearly how to take measurements from your old hammers in when ordering new ones. Dale will explain why Ronsen hammers are made in a traditional old school style and what to expect in the way of tone, voicing stability and hammer selection. Questions are welcomed and encourage. A restored Erwin & Sons piano will be on hand in class. Hear the Ronsen Weickert felt hammers under the fingers of a talented pianist.
This class is only taught once, 3rd period Saturday.