Special Supplement
How to locate, evaluate, and purchase a used
piano for under $300.00.
Lesson I: Piano Basics
A brief history
of the piano and the different types you'll be dealing with as a technician. These
include the spinet, console, upright and grand piano models. Photos and diagrams
help explain the basic workings of each.
Lesson II: Tuning Basics
An
introduction to sound vibrations and how they're used to determine when a piano is
in, or out of tune. Also covered are the tuning of unisons (which involves tuning
more than one string at the same time), understanding the notes of music, why strings
go out of tune, and proper use of the tuning lever (the tool that's used for tuning).
Climate factors and their effect on tunings wrap up this lesson.
Lesson
III: Interval Tuning
Here, we focus on the aural (i.e., by
ear ) tuning of different notes----called
intervals. Also covered in detail is the "equal temperament" which
forms the basic cornerstone of piano tuning. The temperament involves tuning the
middle part of a piano according to a prescribed formula; once set, the rest of the
piano is tuned. Complete tables, charts and easy-to-use formulas take the mystique
out of tuning the temperament.
Lesson IV: How to Tune A Piano
The
entire tuning procedure is demystified, and special tuning techniques are examined.
Special emphasis on how to tune the highest (as well as the lowest) strings are explained,
and use of the electronic tuning fork is examined. Practical exercises and drills
are presented to enhance your learning experience.
Lesson V: Advanced
Tuning Techniques
The piano technician will encounter a variety of tuning
scenarios---many of which are not touched upon in typical piano courses. More importantly,
different scenarios require different strategies. For example, a very-out-of tune
newer piano that's in good condition must be tuned differently from an
old piano in poor condition that's also out of tune. In some cases,
pianos require several tunings to bring them "back to life" but just how
and when to do this requires the right course of action. Therefore, we describe each
tuning scenario and the appropriate strategy you'll need to follow. We include guidelines,
real-life examples, and easy-to-use formulas.
Lesson VI: Electronic
Tuning
A complete introduction on how entire pianos can be
tuned using electronic devices.
Lesson VII: The Vertical Action
The inner 'machine' of a piano
is called the action. In this lesson, we focus on the vertical action
(found in all stand-up pianos). A visual "walk-through" of how the vertical
action works makes its understanding easy. We take the student step-by-step through
the process of removing vertical actions as well as regulating them via easy-to-understand
instructions. Regulation---which is not to be confused with tuning---involves adjusting
different action parts so that they all work together like a well oiled machine.
Also included in the lesson are repairs and adjustments involving dampers, bridle
tapes, and pedals. Charts, diagrams and photos are provided.
Lesson
VIII: The Grand Action
A complete lesson on how the grand piano action
works, and how it is regulated; includes easy-to-understand diagrams and instructions.
Lesson
IX: Introduction to Piano Repair
How to diagnose and repair the most common
problems encountered by the piano technician, including sticky keys, broken strings,
and loose tuning pins. Each problem can have a different cause, and these are thoroughly
addressed. For example, sticky keys can result from problems within the keys, themselves,
or from the moving parts they are linked to. Other problems can also have different
causes. For instance, loose tuning pins can result from worn out parts which are
easily replaced, or they can signify a greater problem in the piano's pin block.
Professional tips for diagnosing and repairing all of these issues are covered comprehensively,
and in plain English.
Lesson X: General Repairs I
One of
the more common piano repairs involve flanges; these are small devices which
allow one moving part to be attached to another part. As such, flanges are subject
to wear and tear. Different type of flange repairs involve those made of brass and
wood. In some cases, flanges can be fixed, but often, they have to be replaced. Other
general repairs covered in detail involve broken or worn-out piano keys, wobbly hammers,
and other moving action parts.
Lesson XI: General Repairs II
Springs
of various types form a major part of the piano's action. Methods for repairing and
replacing them are thoroughly discussed. Additional training focuses on broken hammers,
broken elbows, and squeaks and rattles which are commonly occuring nuisances for
the piano owner.
Lesson XII: Hammer Reconditioning and Replacement
Total
replacement of old or worn hammers is thoroughly covered here. Valuable information
on how to order custom hammers is presented. In many cases, hammers need to be restored
or revamped, and procedures for doing so are outlined in detail. Replacement of dampers---which
are the small blocks of soft felt that sit atop piano strings---is also explained.
Lesson
XIII: Specialty Repairs
Total string
replacement is examined. The pros
and cons for doing so are discussed (for example, the cost might outweigh a piano's
value, but an exception would be a customer who has sentimental concerns). Other
specialized repairs involve shimming cracked soundboards, and repairing or replacing
ribs (the horizontal wooden beams on which piano strings are linked to). Repair of
grand pedal lyres (the wooden assembly found underneath grand pianos which holds
the pedals) is explained. Tuning of odd, or seldom seen pianos (Players, the
Square Grand and the Mason-Hamlin) is also covered.
Lesson
XIV: How To Run a Successful Piano Tuning Business
A fascinating discussion
on how to establish and market your piano tuning business for optimum success. This
valuable lesson includes advanced marketing techniques, advertising strategies (Yellow
Pages, direct mail, classifieds, circulars, etc.), mail order tips, repeat business,
postcards and cover letters, answering machine problems, and customer relations.
NOTE: A number of recommended
exercises, practical drills and assignments are included throughout the course.
Each lesson also concludes with a self-study test designed to help students
accurately gauge their progress.
