SERC 2024 February 22-24, Jacksonville, FL
Classes
Dean Reyburn, RPT
Grand Action Geometry and Replacing Keysets and Actions
Rebuilding a piano that may need a new keyboard or action parts? This all day class will demystify action geometry and show how to evaluate and specify a keyboard for evaluation and replacement for the tech rebuilder. We'll demonstrate practical and objective ways to make your action rebuild successful by checking the condition of the keyboard and stack and simple ways to check action geometry.
We will provide a 6" (150 mm) caliper (or your can bring your own), a metric tape measure (or bring your own such as the Pianotek part SR-1933). Bring your smart phone or calculator.
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Period 1. Action Geometry for the Terrified Part 1.
We'll demystify the "Action Ratio" by showing simple ways to both measure and calculate key, shank and wippen ratios and predict regulation specs. Students will measure actual parts and calculate ratios in class. -
Period 2. Action Geometry for the Terrified Part 2.
Straightforward methods you can use to improve the geometry and performance of pianos with issues. Should you move the capstans? Which way and how much? How do you choose whippens and hammer shanks when the current parts don’t work well? -
Lunch break
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Period 3. Keyboard and action evaluation and replacement for the tech and rebuilder Part 1.
When should a keyboard and/or stack be replaced? What are the advantages/disadvantages of the different brands of action parts and stack designs? When is installing a new keyboard beneficial? -
Period 4. Keyboard and action evaluation and replacement for the tech and rebuilder Part 2
A virtual tour through Reyburn Pianoworks keyboard manufacturing shop which uses the latest CAD and CNC robotics. Examples of keyboard and action stack replacements shown with various design considerations. Practical considerations needed to order and ship keyboards and actions.
This special all-day class takes place on Wednesday Feb 21, from 9:00am - 4:45pm, four periods in the Port room, with lunch break in the Windward room.
Additional class fee is $55
Piano Servicing
Starr Taylor, RPT
Improving Grand Piano Performance, 20 Tips
This intermediate/advanced class is designed to help technicians look at the piano from the inside out. The tips in this class will address unusual problems when servicing grand pianos as well as improving old tried and true methods for adjusting pedals and actions.
Topics include: adjusting nosebolts for tuning stability, addressing string deflection when using temperament strips, properly seating strings on the bridges, eliminating grand pedal noise, reducing friction in the piano action, adjusting the tricky repetition spring, and properly bushing the pitman pin hole in the keybed.
A detailed handout is included. Questions are always encouraged!
Keith Bowman, RPT & Mike Carraher, RPT
Ultimate Vertical Regulation
Join Keith and Mike in this fast paced, comprehensive regulation class that teaches how to get the most out of any upright piano, with consistent after touch. Learn how the action drive train and the damper drive train work, and how they interact. See time saving regulation procedures. Learn how to make proper wire bends for damper alignment; how to set damper spring tension accurately; damper timing by sight; spoon adjustment out of the piano, diagnostic action/damper readings at the front of key and much more, using unique tools and fixtures that provide accuracy, consistency, and better posture.
Josi Davis
Upright Hammer Hanging
Learn expert techniques for hanging upright hammers both in and out of the piano from the team at Brooks LTD. Know what parts are available on the market and opportunities you have to improve aesthetics, maintenance and performance during the replacement process. Let the voice of experience help you to avoid common pitfalls, build a better tool bag and increase your skill set – and ultimately, your business.
Li Yeoh
Keys to Resilience: The Art & Science of Piano Rebuilding
Helpful steps and hints on grand piano rebuilding, including measuring preparation for complete disassembly, removing plate, strings and pins, sorting hardware, removing dampers, case and plate refinish plans, replace strings and tuning pins, action rebuild choices, regulation, reassembly, tuning and voicing.
Dave Conte, RPT, CTE, TEC
Did You Remember To...
Learn important step-by-step protocols for piano tear-down. Whether in preparation for restringing, action replacement or complete piano rebuilding, this will be beneficial in any situation.
Tuning
Wim Blees, RPT
Pitch Raising, Myths and Facts
A round table discussion on pitch raising, what works, what won’t, and some of the untruths about massive pitch changes. Included will be a discussion of pitch raising techniques.
Maggie Jusiel, RPT, CTE
Music Theory and its Application
Parts 1 & 2: Music Theory for Tuning
Parts 3 & 4: Theory in Application
Music Theory and its Application takes two periods and is divided into four parts. The first part will include hands-on work and will cover basic concepts and terminology that will be used in the rest of the class. This section will include major scales, intervals, the circle of fifths, inversions, and the harmonic series. The second part will also include hands-on and will continue with the harmonic series, interval ratios, coincident partials, plotting coincident partials on a keyboard, wide versus narrow intervals, and beats. The third part (beginning the second period) will explain musical commas, why we temper, and inharmonicity. The fourth part will explain how aural gauge tools (aka checks) work, and how intervals interact on the keyboard. These will be demonstrated on a piano and can be practiced by anyone who wants to volunteer. This class will be a very good prep for the Fundamental Tuning Concepts class.
Fundamental Tuning Concepts
Fundamental Tuning Concepts will pick up where the class on music theory lets off. This class will begin with “closed group intervals”. We will explore interval relationships within a major third, a fourth, a fifth, a major sixth, an octave, and beyond an octave. While we explore interval relationships, we will be using aural gauge tools as explained in the music theory class. Once we have explored closed group intervals, we will apply this knowledge to setting a temperament. Everything will be demonstrated on a piano and students will be encouraged to try these tools out for themselves.
Dean Reyburn, RPT
CyberTuner, Tuning With The New AI Mode
CyberTuner’s new AI mode is the star of the show (yes, that stands for Aural Interval)! AI lets CyberTuner custom tailor a tuning note by note like a master aural tuner. Newcomers and seasoned Cyber tuners come to learn how to get the most out of CyberTuner and AI on your best (and worst) pianos.
Tune Jitsu: Ergonomic Tuning
Before the way of the hand comes the way of the mind. Come learn the secrets of the impact tuning hammer. We'll focus on how the body functions, how to use it effectively with various tools, and how not to use it when tuning.
Emily Townsend, RPT
The Comma of Pythagoras
The mathematical foundations of temperament tuning are elegantly simple, yet remain an elusive mystery to many in our trade. We'll use simple, elementary-level math to understand partials, interval relationships, why some intervals are tuned wide, and why some intervals are tuned narrow. This will be an upbeat, energetic class including time travel to ancient Greece, a visit from Donald Duck, aural examples from a real piano, and musical recordings comparing unequal temperaments.
Professional Solutions
Kelly Hollifield
Introduction to the Piano Lifesaver
Struggling with tuning stability related to humidity fluctuations? We have a solution! The Piano Life Saver is a complete climate control system to help minimize tuning stability issues due to changes in humidity. We will provide a broad overview of product function, system selection, basic installation and service. This is a great course to check out whether you are new to the Piano Life Saver system, or just looking to brush up your skills and knowledge.
Melanie Brooks
Savvy Business Professionals
Defining practical strategies to make savvy business decisions will help you realize your goals. Focusing on technical skills, we often lose sight of the costs of doing business. Join in a group discussion as we define what your time is really worth and build a roadmap to a successful business plan.
Chris Blees
Sub-chapter 10
Electing your single-member LLC to be an S corporation when your income exceeds $40,000 can lead to substantial savings on self-employment taxes. Find out if being an LLC and S Corp is good for your business.
Chris Blees, Wim Blees, RPT
Selling/Buying Your Piano Tuning Business
You’ve spent a lot of time building your tuning business, or maybe you're in the market to buy an existing tuning business. find out how to figure out how much the business is worth, the tax consequences, and the details involved in making the transaction.
Luke Ehresman & Timothy Barnes, RPT
Grow With Gazelle
Learn how you can use Gazelle to save time, wow your customers, and grow your piano service business. In this class we will bring decades of business experience together to help you grow your business using the tools Gazelle offers such as online scheduling, automated reminders, estimates, and QuickBooks integration.
Timothy Barnes, RPT
Creating Estimates That Sell
You should not have to feel like a pushy salesperson to get your clients to choose to invest in their piano. Creating estimates that sell is all about staying true to who you are, avoiding the curse of knowledge, and utilizing the full power of tools like Gazelle in your business.
RPT Exam Preparation
Ricki Klōs, RPT, CTE
Preparing for the Written Exam
This class will discuss how to sign up to take the written exam and give an overview of some questions that will be asked on the test. This class is for PTG Members who want instructions on how to take the new versions of the exam.
Bill Davis, TEC
Preparing for the Technical Exam
This class will discuss how the technical exam works, give and overview of the requirements to pass the technical exam, and how the exam is scored.
Ricki Klōs, RPT, CTE & Nathan Mills, RPT, CTE
Preparing for the Tuning Exam
This class will discuss what is involved in taking the tuning exam, how it is scored, and briefly what is involved in the tuning the Master Tuning.
Education Committee
Traveling Playground
Multiple workstations allow individuals to watch video instruction and understand and practice specific skills in a hands-on environment promoting success without time constraints. Fundamentals such as string splicing, making right coils and beckets, hammer traveling, damper alignment, key bushing, flange re-pinning, making good measurements and measuring bass strings for replacement comprise a set of competencies all technicians need to know. All tasks are presented in a step-by-step manner that participants can emulate. Whether you’re just beginning or a 30-year technician, this hands-on class where tools and materials are provided offers a best-practice opportunity to improve and polish skill. Stay five minutes or all day. Chapter leaders are encouraged to learn how to participate.
A Wi-Fi enabled; video capable device is required.
Introduction to the Traveling Playground
(click for video)
Piano Servicing
