Piano Tech Radio Hour
Piano Technicians Masterclasses
"Inspiring the Future of the Piano Tech Community"
Each Saturday at 2 pm ET we'll meet via video stream with a special guest.
In continuing support of you as a quarantined piano technician, and in your life beyond, it's another free resource brought to you by Piano Technicians Masterclasses.
For more information visit: http://www.pianotechradio.com
A Classical Get-Together w/ Tiffany Poon
In this episode of Piano Tech Radio Hour, we welcome Tiffany Poon, a renowned classical pianist born in Hong Kong in 1996 and currently based in New York City. Tiffany shares her extraordinary journey from moving to New York at nine years old to join Juilliard's prestigious pre-college division on a full scholarship, studying under Yo Kalinsky. Her education continued at Columbia University in a joint program with Juilliard, where she was mentored by eminent pianists Emmanuel Ax and Jos
The Fandrich Legacy of Innovation w/ Heather Fandrich
In this episode of Piano Tech Radio Hour, Heather Fandrich provides an in-depth exploration of the Fandrich Vertical Action, highlighting its innovations in reliability and responsiveness compared to traditional upright actions. She explains the Fandrich-Rhodes method of weighing off actions, a technique highly regarded across the piano industry for its effectiveness. Heather brings these technical aspects to life with engaging stories and visual examples, making complex concepts access
A Fine Musician's Life w/ Eric Clark & Hannah Reimann
In this episode of Piano Tech Radio Hour, we are pleased to introduce Eric Clark and Hannah Reimann, two highly acclaimed pianists renowned for their masterful interpretations of various classical composers, including Stravinsky, Liszt, Beethoven, Chopin, Mozart, Bach, Haydn, Grieg, and Tchaikovsky. Eric and Hannah share insights into their musical journeys, offering a comprehensive look at their paths to establishing their musical voices.Eric Clark discusses his musical journey from hi
Peruvian Presidential Palace Pianos w/ Eathan Janney
In Episode 80 of Piano Tech Radio Hour, host Eathan Janney takes us on a captivating journey into the Peruvian Presidential Palace, where two exceptional pianos—a Steinway and a historic Pleyel—await discovery. Building on the stories shared in previous episodes, this exploration highlights the unique craftsmanship, cultural significance, and preservation of these remarkable instruments within a historical setting.Eathan’s deep dive into these pianos includes a visually rich exploration
Sonata Secrets w/ Henrik Kilhamn
In this milestone episode of Piano Tech Radio Hour, we delve into the extraordinary world of Swedish pianist Henrik Kilhamn. Based in Gothenburg, Henrik is a concert pianist, chamber musician, and accompanist with an impressive career that includes solo recitals and collaborations with renowned ensembles such as the Gothenburg Opera House Orchestra, Symphony Choir, and Vocal Ensemble.Henrik's musical journey began at the age of six with the Suzuki method. Guided by his mentor Enrique Gr
Erard, Pleyel, and Peruvian Musical Diplomacy w/ Eathan Janney
In this episode of Piano Tech Radio Hour, host Eathan Janney continues the exciting journey through Peru, following up on the adventures from Episodes 76 and 77. This time, Eathan recounts his experiences in the vibrant city of Lima, uncovering rare and historical pianos in surprising locations. Eathan shares the story of a remarkable discovery—an 1875 Erard piano, tucked away in a bookstore in Lima. This piano, once a diplomatic gift from a Chilean ambassador, offers a fascinating look
Dealers, Techs and Piano Innovation w/ Ric Overton
In this unique episode of Piano Tech Radio Hour, we’re thrilled to sit down with Ric Overton, a true veteran of the piano world, whose career spans decades of expertise and hands-on work. Ric brings his unique perspective on the craft of piano technology, blending stories of personal experiences with insights into how the industry has transformed over time.From his humble beginnings in piano tuning to becoming a go-to expert for complex restorations, Ric’s journey is filled with dedicat
Piano Pro Turned Viral Virtuoso w/ Loren DiGiorgi
In this episode of Piano Tech Radio Hour, we had the pleasure of hosting the incredibly talented pianist, humorist, and composer Loren DiGiorgi. Loren's journey began at a very young age, and he has immersed himself in the world of classical music, creating and producing hundreds of songs in various styles. His unique talent for entertaining friends with musical antics, such as playing songs in reverse or blending melodies, has turned into a social media phenomenon with hundreds of thou
Classical Guitar Iconoclast w/ Jonathan Taylor
In Episode 198 of the "Piano Tech Radio Hour," we welcome Jonathan Taylor, a renowned classical guitarist whose career spans the globe. His innovative transcriptions and digital recordings have significantly impacted the classical guitar repertoire, making him a prominent figure in the music world.Taylor's musical journey began at a young age, inspired by his grandmother, a silent film organist. He shares how his early passion for music led him to the guitar and how his dedication and r
Remote Andean Chickering Restoration w/ Jonathan Cleghorn
In Episode 77 of Piano Tech Radio Hour, we continue our deep dive into the art of piano restoration in remote environments, focusing once again on the breathtaking Peruvian Andes. This episode features an in-depth conversation with piano technician Jonathan Cleghorn, who shares the next chapter of his journey restoring an antique Chickering piano at a Baptist seminary in Peru.Jonathan revisits his ambitious project, revealing the technical complexities and cultural insights gained from
Piano Restoration in Remote Locales w/ Johnathan Cleghorn
In Episode 76 of Piano Tech Radio Hour, we engage in a dynamic group discussion featuring some fine technicians in the PTRH community, including Jonathan Cleghorn as our featured guest. Additionally, hear insightful contributions from other astute technicians like Jon Ross, Phil Bondi, Robert Wilson, Nancy Salmon, and Diane Hofstetter. Join us as we explore the unique challenges and rewards of piano restoration in remote and diverse environments, with a special focus on the Peruvian And
Latin Jazz, David Byrne, Emmy Nom and More w/ Steve Sandberg & Hannah Reimann
In Episode 197 of PTRH, we feature Steve Sandberg, an acclaimed pianist and composer known for his innovative approach to music and piano technology. The episode also includes updates from Hannah Reimann on the Fourth Annual International Stretto Piano Festival. Hannah begins with exciting news about the festival, highlighting the diverse lineup of live concerts and events scheduled for June 2024. She emphasizes the grand event on June 4th, set in a prestigious 760-seat hall, which prom
Latin Classical Evangelism w/ Kristhyan Benitez
In this podcast episode, we are joined by the talented Kristhyan Benitez, a Venezuelan classical pianist and 2021 Latin Grammy winner for Best Classical Album. He discusses his musical journey that started at age four when he chose the piano over the guitar and fell in love with its sound.Kristhyan has performed on prestigious stages worldwide and is recognized as a Steinway artist. His multicultural background influences his music, incorporating traditional Latin American elements into
Astral Journeys w/ Noah Frere
In this podcast episode, we're introduced to Noah Frere, a unique individual who is at once a piano technician, astrophysicist and astrologer. He began his journey in piano tech at the Randy Potter School of Piano Technology in 2006 and has worked with pianos across New York before moving to Tennessee where he pursued a master's degree in physics.We are blessed to explore some of Noah’s own astrophotography, and he explains how various software tools are used to enhance images of celest
How to Evaluate a Piano w/ Eathan Janney
In this podcast episode, PTRH host Eathan Janney discusses various aspects of piano evaluations and appraisals, with a focus on templates and procedures. We emphasize the importance of precision and professional training when providing formal assessments but also touch on how informal evaluations can benefit clients.As an example we highlight the recent evaluation of an Estonia Grand Piano, detailing that process which included photographing every aspect of the instrument and rating its
Learning Precision in Piano Tuning w/ Mark Cerisano
In this podcast episode, we are joined by Mark Cerisano, a seasoned piano tuner and educator who’s making significant contributions to the field of piano technology. He is known for creating the Go Ape System for accurate and efficient piano tuning and has shared his expertise globally through publications and teaching at the International Piano Technician School (IPTS).Mark's background includes engineering, teaching music in high school, being a professional musician, authoring four b
Nuanced Approaches to Piano Restoration w/ Chris Brown
In this podcast episode, we explore the captivating world of piano restoration with a focus on Chris Brown’s recent project involving an 1889 Steinway D. This historic piano underwent significant transformations including new soundboards and modernized parts while retaining its legacy.Chris delves into the technical aspects of regulation, discussing the challenges of integrating contemporary components with historical dimensions. He emphasizes the importance of meticulous measurements a
Tuned In - Memoirs of a Piano Man w/ Jim Wilson
Gain insights into Jim's experiences with music icons and the lessons he's learned along the way. Beyond rubbing shoulders with legends, he learned valuable lessons from them about music and life.Explore how musical trends and tech advancements shape piano performance and recording. Jim was at the forefront of groundbreaking midi technology. Understand the importance of nurturing young talent and how it influenced Jim's journey. You won’t believe how far music can take you.Discover the
Musical Tales w/ David Amram
Tune in to hear the maestro David Amram sharing unheard stories from his encounters with pianos and pianists across the globe, alongside recent collaborations with other PTRH community members. Explore the inspirations behind his most celebrated piano compositions.This session is a rare opportunity to hear directly from a composer who has not only created an incredible body of work but has lived through some of the most pivotal moments in musical history. Whether you're a lifelong fan,
Tribute and Insights w/ Donna Weng Friedman
In today's episode, we started with touching tributes to Tanya Ragir and Joe Patrych, honoring their legacies in our community. Additionally, Donna shared about the legacy of Joe Patrych, a cherished member of the New York piano community whose unexpected departure in December deeply affected so many. Donna Weng, moved by Joe's passing, shared heartfelt reflections on his life and contributions. Joe's presence in the Greater New York piano community was profound. He left behind a legacy
Wool and Piano Hammer w/ Eathan Janney
In this group discussion, Eathan talks about the annual PTM convention and the release of a lecture by David Stanwood who delivers a lecture about piano touch and tone. It’s a really interesting lecture and one key takeaway was about wool and its role in the sound of the piano. The properties of wool are really special for the creation of piano hammers and the tone we want to get out of them. The lecture also touches on some important themes like voicing, components and the hammer - str
Piano Inspiration w/ Isaac Namias
In this episode we have Isaac sharing two pivotal moments in his journey, illustrating his evolution from a musician to a piano technician. One significant moment occurred during college when he embarked on the challenge of rebuilding Fender Rhodes pianos, relying solely on online tutorials. Despite lacking an engineering background, his musical discipline and focus propelled him into the world of keyboard technology. Isaac recounted his challenging yet rewarding experience applying for
Unconventional Piano Tuning Tricks w/ Alan Eder
In today’s session, we have you join us for the PTM Annual Convention session with Alan Eder, a full-time piano tech for the California Institute of Arts for 38 years. He gives a lecture on the tools and methods to use that are outside the mainstream. This is not a regulation-focused lecture. Have you ever successfully taken a grand action out of a piano without breaking the hammer string? Well, Alan is about to teach us just that. To not do more harm than there already is, we start by
Regulations and Appraisals w/ Sally Phillips and Leo Holder
In this episode, we have Sally Phillips and Leo Holder. Sally talks about the amount of regulation a new piano needs. All the work that needs to be done to a piano before delivery will save you money in after-market servicing and enable you to get the trust of a dealer. Sally walks us through her checklist of things we need to do to get the after-delivery servicing costs down. The same works for newly rebuilt pianos as well. Sally says “New pianos are kind of an enigma”, and the first t
Convention Teaser w/ Chris Brown
In today’s session, we give you a teaser of all that has been happening with the PTM Annual Convention by showing you sections of our most interesting sessions to give you a flavor of all that has been brewing and all that is to come. Starting with William Manroe who showed us how to turn a 100-year-old piano into a work of art, in a step-by-step detail-oriented fashion. William starts by taking a picture for posterity and then begins his process by taking the pieces apart. Next, we hav
Secrets of the Cybertuner w/ The PTRH Community
In today’s episode, Eathan talks about the PTM Convention and some of the instructors like Carl Lieberman give us a preview of their lecture at the convention. Carl’s lecture will be on cyber tuner, its AI feature, and why we should all care about it. Cybertuner also makes Pure12th tuning and Carl shares his take on it. ‘Pure’ might sometimes seem unachievable but Carl suggests that the 12th should be close to pure to preserve other intervals. In this episode, we also take on questions
Musical World w/ Claudio Constantini
In this episode, we had the privilege of hosting a pre-recorded session featuring the remarkable Claudio Constantini, a globally renowned multi-instrumentalist celebrated for his extraordinary talents as both a pianist and a bandoneonist.Claudio shared his fascinating journey from his upbringing in Peru, surrounded by a family deeply rooted in music, to discovering his passion for piano during his teenage years. His transition to becoming a bandoneonist, sparked by serendipity while liv
Insights w/ The PTRH Community
In today’s episode, Eathan shares his experience of attending the memorial service of the late David Anderson, who used to be a co-host on this show, an amazing musician and an even better human being. Community members join in the conversion and each share a few thoughts about David, his unmatched energy, and incredible acumen as a piano tech. We touch upon lesser-known facets of David’s rich life, exploring his legacy as a rock musician as well as a passionate writer. In addition to w
Exploring the Potential of Narrow Key Pianos w/ Hannah Reimann & Fanny Steingraeber
Get ready for a fun PTRH session this Saturday as we bring you an exclusive conversation with two distinguished figures in the world of pianos: Hannah Reimann from Stretto Pianos and Fanny Steingraeber from Steingraeber & Sohne, the renowned high-end piano manufacturer in Bayreuth, Germany.This special pre-recorded session has been meticulously curated to accommodate busy international schedules, ensuring you don't miss out on this rare opportunity. Join us as Fanny Steingraeber dis
Pitch Perfect Pair w/ Donna Byrd & Susan Kline
Donna Byrd and Susan Kline, two guests with the most insider information make it to today’s episode. Donna, a North Bennet Street School student and a consistent guest on Pinao Tech Radio Hour, has some fascinating stories to share. Alongside her is Suzan, a George Brown College of Toronto graduate, and a long-term piano technician. Donna shares her journey to being a piano tuner, her experiences in a male-dominated profession, and some tales of her residency. Building on this conversat
Tuning In w/ The PTRH Community
Dive into the harmonious echoes of our PTRH community in this episode, where the vibrant voices of participants weave together a tapestry of insights and shared experiences. From the lively discussions on piano tuning to navigating the unique challenges posed by the pandemic, our community came together for an enriching session that embraced the diversity of thoughts and perspectives.What a dedicated community! In this episode, we recognize Calvin from Malaysia, a dedicated member who s
Piano Horizons w/ Oliver Esmonde-White
This PTRH session features the remarkable Oliver Esmonde-White with guest appearances by the insightful Wayne Ferguson. They're two of Canada's finest piano pros. The episode unfolds with updates on Oliver's groundbreaking project—a revolutionary upright piano action. We learn about his versatile hammer rail/action rail development with a one-size-fits-all solution, poised to revolutionize the piano industry. It's all made possible through 3D-printed rapid prototyping.We gain deep insig
Networking as Piano Technicians w/ Carl Lieberman
In today’s session, we join Carl Lieberman in person and talk about the importance of networking to thrive in the piano industry. Carl talks about how he has formed some serendipitous connections over time and where they stand now. Networking can seem sleazy to a lot of people because you are doing it to get something out of someone but in this episode, Carl shares stories of how he has organically built connections with people over time and how that keeps him young at heart. Through on
Steinway Society of Puerto Rico w/ Jan D’Esopo
In this session, we bring you exclusive access to an interview with Jan D’Esopo, an artist and impresario who founded the Steinway Society of Puerto Rico which offers a forum for local musicians and funds local talents. The Society is a fascinating place that Eathan discovers in Puerto Rico and he sits down for a chat with Jan to discuss her journey as an artist and how she has built the place. The Steinway Society is a piano bar and so much more with six complex and interconnected buil
Guitar Restoration and Analogues to Piano Tuning w/ Danny Koentopp
Today’s guest is a bit more unusual than what we do here at PTRH which makes it special and fun - Danny studies product design at Columbia College where he focuses on guitars. He joined the restoration team and worked on restoring museum-quality pieces from the 17th century. He has been acquainted with a lot of power tools but prefers working with his hands which is interesting for us piano makers! Danny says “While going to school for design work, I did learn a lot about technology and
A Non-Dual Jam Sesh w/ The PTRH Community
In this episode, our host, Eathan Janney broadcasts live from the colorful backdrop of Puerto Rico. The episode is a freeform discussion with the community in attendance. We kicked off by highlighting an upcoming virtual piano tech symposium designed for flexible learning and networking opportunities across various industry sectors.Community member Carl Lieberman, a seasoned piano technician, shares his experiences post-pandemic as he returns to work on cruise ships and concert halls. H
Tuning for Professional Pianists w/ Sally Philips
Our special guest for today is Sally Philips of Piano Perfect LLC. She’s world-renowned and a well-kept secret of the Piano Industry. In this interactive session, Sally talks about how to navigate some of the peculiar challenges of concert work and preparation, working for professional pianists. She also gives us an update on her professional trajectory and tells us what inspired it. Sally tells us about the time she had tuned four pianos at the same time and tells us what challenges to
The Math of Pianos w/ Chris Brown
Christopher Brown joins us today, and he has mastered various skills like concert tuning, rebuilding, and teaching. He’s an engineer, piano designer, and producer. Chris believes that all piano technicians are somewhat gifted at math, and has been able to use high school algebra and geometry to create a model for the workings of a grand action. This helps him better understand what happens when you change the leverage in any of the three levers.In this episode, Chris simplifies the geom
Music of Chano Dominguez w/ Chano Dominguez
In this episode, the great piano player, Chano Dominguez - the great piano player joins us and tells us all about his upcoming shows, his experience playing on stage, and why he does not like traveling for concerts. Chano talks about the piano he has been playing most, the technicalities of it, and the tuning process it has undergone. As a player, he tells us about the experience of playing on different kinds of tuned pianos and what he enjoys most. Chano shares his knowledge about the
Tools for Piano Success w/ Steve Brady
In today’s episode, Steve Brady, the most highly awarded piano technician in the Pacific North West a member of the PTG Hall of Fame. He knows what it takes to make the piano sound like the instrument of dreams and he’s here today to share that secret sauce with us. In this episode, Steve talks us through some common tools - but, chances are that you have not used them. Do you pre-coil the wire before putting it on the tuning pin? Great, but now you need to carry a dummy tuning pin and
History of Piano Building w/ Del Fandrich
In today’s episode, Del Fandrich, a consultant for various piano manufacturers across the world, uses the first principle of thinning to aid his designing process. Del talks about hybrid scales to help the short piano scales and their various applications. He delves into string lengths, tensile strength, and sounds. Del is also working on compiling the book “Piano Tone Rebuilding” from three generations ago and making it readable again. He has added additional chapters in the book to ad
Charging More for Business Success w/ Carl Lieberman
In today’s episode Carl Lieberman, a tremendous business advisor, a piano technician, and a hybrid tuner joins us to share his wealth of knowledge on pianos. He’s a garden variety piano technician who shares his journey that has seen all ends of this industry. Carl’s mission in this session is to share his tips on how to make more money. He does this by talking about pricing. Carl says that the three most important things in tuning are “stability, stability, and stability” and the two m
Action Parts and Restoration w/ Wayne Ferguson & Chip Mayer
In today’s session two exceptional guests, Wayne Ferguson and Cip Mayer join us, who have each been in business for over 40 years. They share their journeys, anecdotes, and insights about restoration. Wayne talks about his actions to keep himself out of trouble within the restoration business. He also shares how he quality controls the action parts, and how that led him to meet our second guest of the show today - Chip Mayer. Chip is the son of Loyed Mayer, and they identified an indust
The Importance of Saying No w/ Bill Monroe
The owner of A440 Pino Services, and a second-time guest at the PTRH, Bill Manore joins us today and gives us a tour of his shop and talks about his business. He is a one-man show and tells us how he manages the different tasks of the business. “Just say yes and figure it out later” has been a mantra that has worked well for him. He also shares his process of how to go about acquiring pianos. He says, “I do not do a lot of active looking because, over time, pianos tend to find you”. In
Replacing, Building Sound Boards and Bridge Gapping w/ Ken Eschete
Ken Eschete, is a piano technician who has worked with the conservation of historic pianos and teaches an online course on replacing and building sound boards and bridge gapping. He has discovered some big things from some little tiny things and he joins us at the Radio Hour to share them. The first is consolidation - here Ken talks about resins and the science behind them which is used in key tops and voicing. The second component is using a reverse migration - here Ken walks us throug
Steinway Pianos and Rebuilding w/ Alex Kostakis
On today’s episode, we have Alex Kostakis join us whose family has been involved in Steinway for many years, and later they started their own rebuilding practice. Alex shares his journey of working on Steinway pianos, the details of the pianos, and the relationship with customers. Alex details what goes into his best restored Steinways - a virgin piano that has not been tampered with by anyone, matches all the specifications when reproducing a pin block, adjusts for the wedges on the ke
Soundboards & Rebuilding w/ Nick Gravagne
Nick Gravagne, who joined us for the PTM 2020 convention is back on Radio Hour to share some of his insights on building sound boards. Nick has made over 470 soundboards on Steinway and he shares his journey of building a pulse to tell soundboards apart. “The more mass there is on the soundboard, the more sound as there is more impetus,” says Nick and shares how to build a balance between the string and the soundboard. Nick also shares his own evolution of the understanding of this subj
Pricing to Success in Piano Tuning w/ David Andersen & Eathan Janney
In this episode, David and Eathan talk about pricing in the piano industry, especially during the pandemic and post-pandemic. Raising prices may seem counter-intuitive, but keeping up with your standard of living may be necessary. One participant adds “Now is the time to raise prices, not just to keep up, but to get ahead of the curve”. “Historically we do not charge enough as piano technicians, when I raise prices, I am met with more success” shares another participant. During this con
Embrace Your Fears w/ David Andersen and Eathan Janney
In this episode, David and Eathan unpack what it means to do things that you are afraid of within the piano business. The pair focus on conquering fear as an essential ingredient in professional development. In his typical generous fashion, David gets vulnerable with his peers in the name of inspiring us all. He shares stories of how he has encountered fear time and again during his time in the industry and why it’s made him better.Other members of the community are inspired to share th
Nuances of Piano Rebuilding w/ Bernard Mollberg
Bernard has been in the piano business for over four decades and runs a classic, timeless piano artisan’s workshop. Piano rebuilding is his forte, and he has a wealth of knowledge to share about it. Bernard began his fascinating foray into the piano world as the son of a NASA rocket scientist. He shares about the partnerships he made and how he created a thriving business in the piano industry. He also shares the importance of word-of-mouth in this field. Bernard takes us through some e
Insights on Piano Tuning Exam w/ Ricki Kloss
Ricki Kloss is a certified tuning examiner and has been in the piano business since 1995. She shares her story of accidentally wandering onto her career path, encountering one opportunity after another, and eventually opening her own business in 1995. Ever feel like you know only a tiny bit about what it means to be a piano technician? Ricki shares her thoughts on what it means to be a lifelong apprentice in this field and explains what it is to “fail upwards”. Since Ricki is a certifie
Sigal Music Museum Showcase w/ Thomas Strange
Thomas Strange–a fascinating, multi-talented individual and the owner of the musical instrument museum–makes an appearance on this program. In 2008, Thomas was asked to build a Museum to preserve his collection of keyboards. In a decade his vision materialized and gained significant community support. A private collection to a world-class collection of musical instruments, Thomas tells the story of how he was able to set up the ‘Sigal Music Museum.’ If you are ever curious to dive deepe
On Pitch w/ Rick Baldassin
Join us in this episode as we sit down with Rick, the esteemed president and founder of Baldassin Pianos. Rick's remarkable journey includes recognition as a PTG member of note and receiving the prestigious 2014 Golden Hammer award, along with his induction into the exclusive PTG Hall of Fame.Moreover, Rick's influence extends to the realm of literature, with his authorship of pivotal books on piano tuning that stand as definitive references in the field. In this conversation, we explor
Master Piano Technicians w/ David Andersen and Eathan Janney
In this podcast episode, the hosts delve into the pandemic's impact on the piano tuning industry and explore the concept of a "master piano technician." Eathan and David share their perspectives.Eathan, the founder of the Floating Piano Factory, recounts how his business adapted during the pandemic. Initially suspending operations for safety, they later resumed tuning despite reduced demand. David discusses the gradual recovery of the restoration business.The conversation delves into th
The Unique History and Vision of Klavins Pianos w/ David Klavins
Discover the captivating world of Klavins Pianos in this episode as we delve into the history and innovative vision of piano designer and builder, David Klavins.Originally specializing in restoring vintage pianos, David Klavins embarked on a profound exploration of the intricate acoustic principles that shape piano tonality. This pursuit led him to create his own avant-garde grand pianos, each bearing a distinct Klavins signature. Join us as David shares the intriguing story behind Klav
Period Piano Building w/ Paul McNulty
Paul McNulty, a North Bennet Street School graduate, is an iconoclast in the industry. He was the first in modern times to build an 1830 model Playel, an 1846 Boisselot op. 2800, and an 1868 Streicher. His current efforts are restoring vintage French pianos. The "period pianos" domain can be tricky, and not everyone likes the sound of these unique instruments. But the pianos Paul restores are loved by many. He is at the top of his craft! In this session, he shares his journey and some t
Diagnosing A Piano w/ Nick Gravagne
Nick is a piano engineer with over 40 years of experience in the field. He has made significant contributions to the piano trade through his technical seminars across America and numerous articles he has authored.During our session, Nick shared his unique approach to understanding pianos. According to him, there are three primary elements of a piano that demand attention: its body or 'box', its action (playability), and sound.Nick offered clever and crucial insights like identifying iss
Unique Insights From a Pianist and Tech w/ Fred Sturm
Meet Fred Sturm. He's renowned and world-class as both a pianist and a piano tech. In this session, he discusses the connections between his two careers. We learn about his journey down these two intersecting paths, and Fred shows us how one informs the other. Pianists depend on piano technicians. As Fred says, "If we do not give the pianists what they need, they are going to be handicapped." Through personal anecdotes and explanations, Fred demonstrates how to anticipate a pianist's ne
A Moment Of Frustration Becomes A Million Dollar Idea w/ Mark Purney, RPT, Owner Of Supply 88
Sometimes a problem is just a path to unique new creations. We all have problems. We all have some that even make us want to give up and crawl into a fetal position. For Mark Purney, string repairs are a dreaded necessity that he wishes didn't exist. As he put it, "I hate doing string repairs. I always have. I probably always will." The most frustrating part for him was storing all the potential gauges of wire he might need. For years he found it hard to store the wires properly. Finall
Harmonicity, Intuitive Care and Piano Tuning w/ Dan Levitan
In this session we have with us Dan Levitan, the piano technician turned author who has a lot to offer all the way from taunting lever and tuning theory to the piano tuner’s hand and ear. He talks about his most significant contribution to the field, harmonicity, and the physics of turning tuning pins with a hammer. Dan talks about what it means to be a born craftsman. “Everybody cares about something but you cannot teach someone what to care about”. He talks about the element of intuit
Quick Analysis of Aftertouch w/ Wayne Ferguson
In this session, we meet with Wayne Ferguson, a piano tech who has worked around the globe and visited all the major factories in Europe. He talks about how he makes the key travel in the aftertouch on a piano that is going to be played on short notice. Sometimes the hammer is too far right and sometimes it's too close Wayne follows a structured process where he makes the hammer blow a little further away, does a couple of samples, looks at lead off and drop, checks the key bed and fol
Anecdotes from Experts w/ David Andersen
In this session, David, our resident expert talks about the power of presence and gratitude. These can drastically change your life and have an impact on your profession as a piano technician. David also calls on Wayne Ferguson to come on and share his experiences with the piano industry and larger lessons from life. Wayne alk about starting young and figuring it out with finances at the forefront. He also gives us a live tour of his workspace and shares some practices that have worked
Highlights of the Piano Convention w/ David Andersen and Eathan Janney
In this session, our hosts David and Eathan review the 1st PTM global convention's content, identify the highlights and share some of their key takeaways. Eathan tells us about how the fascination of some piano makers with the kind of wool that goes into making felt. Did you know that Steingraber demands the use of wool exclusively from an Australian sheep? They do this because this is the longest fibre they could find which sounds best. They also discuss the importance of range for a p
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work w/ David Andersen
Tune in to this session and get some great insights from our wise and charming co-host, David Andersen. He’s a highly respected and experienced piano technician in LA, who has built a stellar atelier for rebuilding fine pianos, attracting high-end clientele and producing excellent work. During the conversation, David shares his valuable knowledge, experiences, techniques, ideas, and life lessons with the audience.One of the most intriguing aspects David discusses is the importance of te
The Piano Tech Life w/ Isaac Sadigursky
In this following episode, you’ll meet our guest, Issac Sadigursky, the prototypical piano tech. He has been a piano technician for the past 30 years and is a cornerstone veteran of the Piano Technicians Guild (PTG). He has everything from restorations to repairs, from troubleshooting to tuning. In this episode of the PTRH, Issac shares some of his experiences as a piano technician, clever ways of using tools, and much more.Stay tuned for Isaac’s thoughts on the importance of having the
Voicing Secrets Shared w/ David Andersen
In this session, our host turned speaker, David Anderson, does a deep dive into the topic of voicing. When you’re voicing a hammer, you’re making it sound deeper, fatter and clearer - which is a product of hearing lower partials clearer. He explains all this in the context of partial undertones. David lets us in on the intricacies of strike point voicing techniques which he has personally used for over 15 years to give a piano what he calls the “golden tone”. He achieves this through at
Building A Sustainable Piano Business w/ Melanie Brooks
Today, we are joined by Melanie Brooks who has been in the piano business for over 30 years and has wonderful insights about how to sustain a piano industry career over the decades. She shares her personal tips on how to continuously tweak your business, and even how to bounce back after any recession. Ever wondered what the living beating heart of the piano community will look like a few decades into the future? Melanie shares her thoughts on this and the sustainability of the piano in
Piano Business Basics w/ Steve Brady
In this session we are joined by Stephen Brady, the author of Under the Lid - the Art and Craft of the Concert Piano Technician. He has been in the piano business for close to five decades and in this session he delivers many gems of wisdom he has acquired over the years. First he talks about training–the process of acquiring the crucial skill a piano solopreneur needs. Steve hoes on to talk about taking classes, building a reliable network, research and reading. These are some of the k
Tracing Steingraeber Piano’s Lineage w/ Udo Steingraeber
In this hour, we are joined by Udo Steingraber from Germany, who took over the Steingraber Company at the tender age of 24 and has created a whole new line of products since then. From the old world to the cutting edge, he’s been dedicated to bringing the best of piano past, present and future into one fine instrument. Udo has also been the guiding force behind the European Piano Technician Degree. Listen as Udo talks about the 200-year lineage of Steingraber, one of the finest piano c
One Thing For Spectacular Regulation w/ Hosts David Andersen And Eathan Janney
Have you ever wondered if there's one thing that will make your regulation work spectacular? Today you're in luck because our co-host David Andersen talks about exactly that.According to David, the one thing you need to do is find a protocol that you can settle on, develop, and get better at. You can develop a protocol for setting repetitions, setting a drop, setting off--a protocol for every single regulation step, and more. "Do it the same way and do it in a way that is fun and easy f
Letting Your Intuition Tune The Piano w/ Hosts David Andersen And Eathan Janney
How often have you let your intuition take the upper hand while tuning?In this episode, David Andersen sheds light on a rarely spoken-about aspect of piano tuning. He says, "We all think way too much. [As a piano tech] we've tuned piano thousands of times and our bodies remember that." And according to David, it's so important that we don't get stuck on our fears of making mistakes--our fear of failing. In many respects, we can just relax and let our bodies do the work. Further on, in t
What Does A Sound Engineer Want In A Piano? w/ Frank Wolf
You must have tuned a piano for a recording at least once in your life. If not, you might wish to tune for a recording studio at some point…Our Radio Hour guest in this episode, Frank Wolf, a highly-acclaimed sound engineer, shares his opinions on what makes a piano perfect for recording right down to the intricacies of recording within different genres. The live audience from Piano Tech Radio Hour this session jumps in with their experience on tuning for recordings as well. We’re remin
A Concert Pianist On Pedals & Voicing w/ Frederic Chiu
In this episode of our podcast, join us as we delve into the world of pedaling technique, piano hammer shaping, and voicing with classical pianist, Frederic Chiu. With a wealth of experience and musical achievements under his belt, Frederic is joined by the veteran piano technician and piano industry expert, Eric Johnson.In addition to a fascinating discussion of advanced pedal techniques, they tackle the topic of humility. Even the most skilled technicians have moments of uncertainty,
Piano Design - The Specifics w/ Del Fandrich
Today’s session features Del Fandrich, an icon in piano design and a leading industry expert. He talks about his transition from working in the field and tuning pianos to getting into piano design. Del tells us about how to identify a gap in the industry and bridge it effectively. He also walks us through some of the original designs in pianos and where they originated. Building on this, he shares his knowledge about why some pianos have been designed in a certain way, how designs have
Failing Upwards Towards Golden Tone w/ David Andersen
David Anderson, our co-host, turns guest today. He has been in the industry for decades, has made nearly every mistake, and has acquired so much excellent knowledge along the way. He calls this failing upwards. "Be bad first; you're never going to get better without it. It's the gateway to success" David shares how to get over gripping and paralyzing fear when trying something new. He also takes on questions about cushions of air under strike points, puck sounds of the jack hitting the
Updating Your Toolkit, Learning & Growing w/ Boaz Kirschenbaum
We piano techs all tend to nerd out about our piano tools every once in a while, don’t we?Tune in to this Piano Tech Radio Hour episode and learn what our guest, Boaz Kirschenbaum has up his sleeve or should we say inside his fancy leather tool case? In this session you might discover some unknown or rarely made tools or encounter other fun surprises–with Boaz you can always expect a rewarding lecture.Besides being a precision touch design installer, an action specialist, and an amazing
Trial & Error In Piano Tuning w/ Chris Brown
Learn how guesstimating is a crucial part of piano tuning from Chris Brown. According to him, trial and error learning, guessing, and estimating are some of the strongest tools at the disposal of piano technicians. We learn it from the earliest age. When Piano Techs learn to tune a piano they are doing trial and error learning, monitoring three-dimensionally all aspects of the tension and twist of pins. Chris further shares how he discovered that traditional practices in piano tuning
Organizing Shops, Rebuilding Pianos w/ Bill Monroe
Today’s episode features Bill Monroe, an expert at rebuilding grand pianos and a top technician with over 20 years of experience. In covering a range of topics, Bill starts by talking about the thought that goes into building and organizing a shop. Planning your own workshop? Tune in to learn why ductwork (custom tubing) underneath the concrete is a cheat code and a pro tip. How do you divide your time between fieldwork and the shop? Bill shares his insights about managing a variable an
Concert Tuning Tips To Create The Kinesthetic Snap w/ David Andersen And Eathan Janney
Concert tuning can easily go wrong by under or overdoing it. The reason? You have to keep in mind that what an artist hears won’t be the same as what the concert hall audience hears. In this episode, our hosts David Andersen and Eathan Janney, along with our amazing live audience get into a deep discussion on everything from Jurgen Goering’s chopstick voicing tool to tuning the piano so that the musicians find the kinesthetic snap–the popping sound and feel that make for the best player
Following Your Tech Passion w/ Eric Johnson
Today's guest is Eric Johnson. A man whose true calling is with pianos. He tried to leave the piano industry at one time, pursuing a degree in business and a different career. It was when he had a series of interviews with banks, insurance companies, and consulting businesses during his second year of business school that it hit him. He could not pretend that what they were saying was intriguing! The words weren't exciting, and the work wasn't either. Why pretend? So, after a few dull j
Always Strive For Better w/ Thomas Zoells And David Graham
In this week's episode, David Graham and Thomas Zoells of PianoForte in Chicago join us. David pays homage to the great Virgil Smith, a renowned piano tuner. The icon of the piano trade still inspires him to this day. Virgil constantly pursued improvement and sought a better way. David would run across people who had studied with Virgil and continued to apply techniques learned for years, only to discover that Virgil's own methods had changed and improved by then. David said of Virgil,
Jurgen’s Insights On Cultures And Tools w/ Jurgen Goering
In today’s session, Jurgen Goering talks about his journey of becoming a German-trained piano maker. Ever wondered how to navigate having clients from different cultures? Learn from Jurgen whose love for exploring different cultures has landed him a ring of clients in the Arctic Circle. He also shows us his souvenirs of ivory tusks from the north pole! Do you as a technician wonder which tools are best for the job? Jurgen talks about the tools he has regretted buying.Here's a little bit
Tips For Piano Industry Entrepreneurs w/ Timothy Barnes
In this session, Tim Barnes, a serial entrepreneur currently running two successful, well-loved piano companies, discusses his journey. Tune in and listen to Tim talk about how he went from owning a lawn care business to becoming a piano industry business leader. Tim has become a seasoned piano tuner, built a team of skilled piano technicians, and a platform we all use for scheduling--Gazelle. Tim says, "a lot of people aren't aware of the capacity of their piano." He describes how to l
Global Piano Thinking With Glenn w/ Glenn Treibitz
In today's episode, we host Glenn, a trained music educator, and award-winning musical theater composer, lyricist, and librettist. He shares his experience running Hollywood Piano, an iconic dealership with deep roots in film and TV history. He has a unique perspective in the troubled and uncertain times of covid.Has your business suffered through covid? Tune in to hear from Glenn, who has catered to his existing clients and recently opened a new store. He talks about what it takes to s
Perfecting Concert Piano Prep w/ Sally Phillips
In this information-packed session, Sally Phillips, a globally sought-after Steinway and concert prep expert, shares some of her most powerful secrets. She takes apart and puts back together the process of creating that “Perfect” piano sound. After all, she doesn’t take her brand name “Piano Perfect” lightly. Learn special techniques in voicing, regulation, and more. The takeaway from this info-packed session is that the little things matter. And Sally shows you how she pays attention t
Caring For The Piano, But Also The Piano Technician w/ Steve Brady, RPT
Our guest for this episode, Steve Brady, finds that the CA glue used in many technical situations is a little invasive for our bodies. Have you noticed that about the glue too?Steve has grown sensitive to CA glue (a.k.a. Crazy Glue or Super Glue) and only uses it when it's absolutely essential, like for repairing hairline defects. And even then, he uses a respirator to avoid the fumes getting into his nose.He further explains how to appropriately use glue for pins, syringes for controll
Piano Tone Is Completely Subjective w/ Chano Dominguez and David Andersen
So much in life is subjective. And you’d think with a “machine” like the piano, the way it should sound is set in stone. However, when analyzing a single piano’s sound, one piano technician might say they’d like it softer, while another might not see anything wrong with the sound or style–they are thoroughly enjoying it. Does that mean one of them is wrong?Not really; the right tone is entirely subjective. In this session, with a world-class Flamenco-Jazz pianist, our co-host David Ande
The Value of Charging More w/ Carl Lieberman
The first price you tell to your new customers sets the tone and sets expectations for future pricing, as well as the quality of your work. Our guest in this episode, Carl Lieberman, shares some excellent pricing rules that set you up to perform as a quality, high-end technician. Let’s talk hypothetical numbers. In your market, you may have to decide which category you want to be in: a) $100-$150 tuner or b) $300. Carl says he is always going to be that $300, higher-level tuner. And you
Through The Eyes Of A Pianist w/ Alan Eder and Danny Holt
A competent pianist should understand the Tuning, Touch, and Tone circle. Knowing these basics can help them be intentional about the sounds they want to create.Our guest Danny Holt, a multiple award winner and a global pianist, shares his experience as a pianist of learning about how pianos work. Understanding the basics of piano technology has helped him get his pianos tuned and cared for in the way he wants. When he was less informed, he couldn't figure out if an issue was related to
Your Mentors And Network Build You w/ David Andersen
In this session, David Andersen talks about the power of having people that inspire you to be unafraid, put in the hard work, and be resilient to failures. You want your mentors and the technicians you hang out with to embody the right attitude that inspires you. David further discusses how our fear of “being bad at” something prevents us from taking action toward our goals. Listen as David goes on to share about one of the massive mistakes in his career--how he killed a piano. But went
How A Piano Teacher Sees Pianos w/ Owen Lovell
Tune into this episode and hear Owen Lovell talk about his passion for the piano, the state of the piano industry, and his journey into becoming a writer and academic! If you play your cards right, a role as a university music professor can provide you with all sorts of wonderful opportunities. This episode’s guest, Owen Lovell. Owen is the piano review editor for Larry Fine’s Acoustic and Digital Piano Buyer and an associate professor of music at Georgia College. Interestingly, he has
The Piano And Tuner Are One w/ Dale Erwin and Arlan Harris (Part 2)
If you are someone who likes a power-packed lecture? This podcast episode with Dale Erwin and Arlan Harris is just for you. They talk about everything from using B72, using it on low compression, high-density hammer, how B72 and acetone is the best hardening solution, diagnosing the hammers, and what might be needed to do to change the tone of the hammer.Using different methods to brighten your hammer and how to find what kind of mixture to use to bring out the tone you want. Non-destru
The Piano And Tuner Are One w/ Dale Erwin and Arlan Harris (Part 1)
Many of us feel pressure while we work, actively concentrating on what we are doing. It's not bad, but over time it can lead to frustration and puts a fence around our work.Our co-host David Andersen shares his philosophy on piano tuning–just relax and pay attention to your work. Because 8/10 times, your body knows exactly what to do and you can just watch it perform. We just have to let our years of practice flow through us as we pay attention to our actions. Arlan Harris, our guest, r
Building Trust In The Piano Industry w/ Rich Galassini
"We'll see a snap back in this industry."In this episode, Rich Galassini joins us at Piano Tech Radio Hour while we are stuck amidst a pandemic. We are still figuring out how to bring our piano tuning businesses back. Most of us even think our careers are over, and we might never get back up again. However, Rich has different opinions. And he’s tracking different indicators. The visits to his company’s website are increasing during the lockdown. Not only that, but he joins us having got
Piano Industry Innovations w/ Del Fandrich
Bulky pianos have been in this world for ages now. Everything else evolved; our furniture and other technologies became sleek, slender, and aesthetically better, but pianos have hardly changed at all. For example, they have remained thick and bulky even when they are shorter in size. Del thinks there is a whole universe of opportunities for innovation in piano design.He agrees that large pianos can be incredible, they give excellent performances. At the same time, those are not the pian
Only Specialized Technicians Survive? w/ Ric Overton
It's not easy being an expert. Especially because your expertise makes it so only you can tell that you're right! Our guest, Ric Overton, has had many experiences where he warned his customers against purchasing a piano… but then they went ahead, bought it, and found themselves in trouble. Rick thinks we all should frame our perspective from that of an expert–be it a piano dealer or technician; it's our responsibility to communicate the knowledge correctly. We have to be armed with the