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]
Service and Repair
NOTE: Click on an instructor's name to see a bio.
6-Pack of Technicals
Isaac Sadigursky, RPT
Isaac has run an independent piano Service business for 40 years in metropolitan Los Angeles Area. Isaac had worked for several l.a. area Piano dealers, apprenticed in workshop, studied at American Piano Technology Institute under late Dennis Nicholson, RPT. In his 40-years career, Isaac had performed about 75,000 tunings. Isaac had presented classes on piano technology to many local chapters, had taught at many State and National Conventions since 1987, presenting various classes on basic and complicated repairs in the field and in the shop, and many business and tuning classes.
Back by popular demand, you will see a fast-moving presentation of time-saving gadgets, tools, and a demonstration of various repairs that worked and even some that didn’t. Knowledge and efficiency are why Isaac’s classes are so valuable.
Extreme Road Warrior! Isaac’s Magic Van- Preparing for that Unexpected Repair!
Isaac Sadigursky, RPT
Isaac has run an independent piano Service business for 40 years in metropolitan Los Angeles Area. Isaac had worked for several l.a. area Piano dealers, apprenticed in workshop, studied at American Piano Technology Institute under late Dennis Nicholson, RPT. In his 40-years career, Isaac had performed about 75,000 tunings. Isaac had presented classes on piano technology to many local chapters, had taught at many State and National Conventions since 1987, presenting various classes on basic and complicated repairs in the field and in the shop, and many business and tuning classes.
Participate in this 2-period, fast moving, Sunday morning presentation on everyday service equipment. Learn about organizing tools in kits, timesaving tips, tool modification, and unusual and uncommon repairs. Experience a day in the life of a piano tuner, discussed "live" around his van.
First, Do No Harm!
Steve Brady, RPT, and Carl Lieberman, RPT
Steve Brady, RPT
Steve Brady was head piano technician at the University of Washington for 25 years, and more recently at the Aspen Music Festival for five years. Steve served as editor of the Piano Technicians Journal from 1995 to 2001. In 1996 he received PTG's "Member of Note" award, and in 1999 PTG published his book, A Piano Technician's Guide to Field Repairs. His latest book, Under the Lid: The Art and Craft of the Concert Piano Technician, was published in 2008. In July of 2012 he was inducted into the PTG Hall of Fame.
Carl Lieberman, RPT - Reyburn Piano Service
Carl
is a member of the CyberTuner Development Team, creating, optimizing
and expanding the software's capabilities. He is currently the staff
piano technician at the Village Recording Studio in West Los Angeles.
An in-depth look at the ways we technicians sometimes harm our "patients," the pianos we work on. Also, how we sometimes harm our own bodies while doing our work. Finally, we'll look at ways to prevent or correct the damage.
Grand Action Rejuvenation
Steve Brady, RPT
Steve Brady was head piano technician at the University of Washington for 25 years, and more recently at the Aspen Music Festival for five years. Steve served as editor of the Piano Technicians Journal from 1995 to 2001. In 1996 he received PTG's "Member of Note" award, and in 1999 PTG published his book, A Piano Technician's Guide to Field Repairs. His latest book, Under the Lid: The Art and Craft of the Concert Piano Technician, was published in 2008. In July of 2012 he was inducted into the PTG Hall of Fame.
More than a simple regulation, less than a shop-based reconditioning, this one-day procedure will give new life to grand pianos that have received moderate to hard use for 5-10 years. Includes procedures for rejuvenating knuckles, key bushings, action centers, lubricating critical points, and regulating the action “in the real world.” The handout for this class is available at www.stevebradypiano.com/Instruction.html. Students who desire to have the handout for taking notes should print out and bring their own copy.
Removing Snake Oil From Grand Dampers
Richard Davenport, RPT
Richard Davenport received a B.A. degree in violin performance from Occidental College, played violin, bass and trumpet professionally in several musical ensembles, and taught junior high school instrumental music before beginning his work on pianos. Richard's mentor, Norman Neblett, provided the majority of Richard's piano technical training. Richard enhanced his concert skills at Yamaha's concert grand factory in Japan, the Fazioli factory in Italy, and the Bösendorfer factory in Austria.
This three-hour class will demystify the components of the grand damper system. Reconditioning, materials, tools, wire bending and trouble-shooting will be addressed with the help of slides, video camera and audience participation. Wouldn't it be profitable to know how to solve all your damper problems? Or, you could always use snake oil.
The Full-Service Approach to Piano Maintenance
Steve Brady, RPT
Steve Brady was head piano technician at the University of Washington for 25 years, and more recently at the Aspen Music Festival for five years. Steve served as editor of the Piano Technicians Journal from 1995 to 2001. In 1996 he received PTG's "Member of Note" award, and in 1999 PTG published his book, A Piano Technician's Guide to Field Repairs. His latest book, Under the Lid: The Art and Craft of the Concert Piano Technician, was published in 2008. In July of 2012 he was inducted into the PTG Hall of Fame.
Take your daily work to a new level with this full-service approach, by “servicing” instead of “tuning” the pianos in your clientele. Increase your income and customer satisfaction while making your job more interesting and rewarding. The handout for this class is available at www.stevebradypiano.com/instruction.html. Students who desire to have the handout for taking notes should print out and bring their own copy.
The Other End of the Key
Richard Davenport, RPT
Richard Davenport received a B.A. degree in violin performance from Occidental College, played violin, bass and trumpet professionally in several musical ensembles, and taught junior high school instrumental music before beginning his work on pianos. Richard's mentor, Norman Neblett, provided the majority of Richard's piano technical training. Richard enhanced his concert skills at Yamaha's concert grand factory in Japan, the Fazioli factory in Italy, and the Bösendorfer factory in Austria.
Everything you never knew you needed to know about grand backchecks and key-end felt. Removal, replacement and proper regulation will be discussed and demonstrated with the aid of an action model outfitted with a height-adjustable backcheck and key-end felt. A detailed PowerPoint presentation will clarify each procedure. After attending this class, you will never again be intimidated by grand backchecks or key-end felt. Promise!
Traditional Finish Repair
Ruth Zeiner, RPT [Allied Piano]
Ruth Zeiner, RPT
Ruth
(Phillips) Zeiner had spent 18 years as a piano technician prior to delving
into finish repairs and restoration when, in 1995, Allied Piano was asked to
take on the Konig polyester and lacquer repair products line. With experience
in customer relations as well as the practical aspects of piano cabinet maintenance,
she can guide you in this increasingly important part of piano service. Her
goal is helping others succeed in their dealings with their clients. www.alliedpiano.com
See demonstrations of the touch-up of traditional finishes. Learn how to make repairs and de-gunk the finish. Burn-ins, color matching, pigments vs. dyes and other subjects will be covered. Effort will be made to use camera technology which will allow you to clearly see repairs as they are made.