Class Descriptions for Double Feature

RENNER ALL STARS


Thursday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
In this ambitious all new class you will see virtually all steps of the action rebuilding process, not just through slides and lecture but actually demonstrated on one complete octave. Participants will follow all steps through large screen video coverage, beginning with touch and tone evaluation of the original action, outlining of the work to be done, and selecting appropriate replacement parts, right through to boring and shaping of hammers, parts installation, key rebushing, regulation and key weigh off.

The Renner team of Rick Baldassin, Carl Teel, Richard Davenport, Bill Spurlock and Norm Neblett will present this real world start to finish look at a job that is usually only taught in a piecemeal, theoretical fashion. Team members will discuss their work and field questions while performing the work, giving all participants an intensive learning experience.

Class attendees will enjoy coffee breaks and a complimentary lunch in the classroom.

ASSOCIATE ACADEMY - FAST TRAX TO RPT

BECOMING AN RPT
Randy Potter (Thursday night 6-9 PM)
When preparing to become a Registered Piano Technician, the first hurdle is passing the PTG Written Exam. The knowledge gained from studying for this test is the foundation of all future piano work. Randy has been teaching students how to prepare to take, and pass, this important exam for over 25 years. He has prepared an interesting lecture on the piano, how it was developed, how it works, and why it works the way it does. RPTs and others, who have already passed this exam, will find this class fascinating. This class is for novices, Associates and anyone else interested in learning more about the piano and why it works the way it does. Associates will be given a chance to take the written exam on Friday, February 10 while the information is still fresh. Don't miss this opportunity to jump start your trek to RPT status!

: RPT EXAM PREP - Hands-On Classes

TECHNICAL REPAIR SKILLS
Stevens, Browne, Babcock and Weller
This class offers a rare opportunity for experienced and aspiring technicians to be tutored in a hands-on setting. You will have a 3-hour block of time to practice and learn efficient methods for doing string replacement, hitch pin loops and string splicing; hammer shank replacement; hammer filing; flange re-bushing and repining. These repair tasks are all common ones routinely performed by the average technician. Those Associate members planning to take the PTG exams have a perfect opportunity to have their skills evaluated by experienced technicians in a friendly environment. Attendance is open to all.

VERTICAL ACTION REGULATION (limit 24)
Bruce and Jeff Stevens
Bruce and Jeff Stevens will present a two-part class that involves a comprehensive Power Point slide show covering all aspects of upright regulation followed by a step-by-step hands-on regulation of the PTG upright action models. This class will help to inform associates who are looking to upgrade to RPT status as well as seasoned technicians who simply want to brush-up on their regulation skills. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own tools for this class.

GRAND ACTION REGULATION (limit 24)
Kathy smith and David Vanderlip
This class will cover basic grand action regulation and will provide all the information necessary for the associate preparing to take the Grand Action Regulation section of the PTG Technical Exam. Attendees will work in teams of two on provided action models. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own tools for this class.

: TUNING EXAM PREP

TUNING
Dean Reyburn and Dave Carpenter
Are you worried about what goes on inside the Tuning Exam room? If so, this is your class. We'll explain: how to practice for the exam using an ETD as a tutor, how to score yourself and how the examiners master tune the exam piano. We'll cover exam time limits, detuning and the scoring procedures. We'll also show you some aural verification techniques which are especially important to examinees using an electronic tuning device. Questions encouraged.

DESIGN & SPECIAL CLASSES


BOLDUC'S FACTORY TOUR
André Bolduc
André Bolduc will take you through the factory explaining the many steps it takes to prepare the spruce and maple which make up the pinblocks and soundboards. Bolduc's quality soundboards and pinblocks are now distributed worldwide.

PEARL RIVER FACTORY TOUR
Mark Wisner and Dave Campbell
A narrated, digital slide show presentation of the materials, construction, and manufacturing techniques used to produce Pearl River pianos. The Pearl River factory will make 100,000 pianos this year using a fascinating combination of traditional methods and new technology in the world's largest piano factory located in Guangzhou, China."

MASON & HAMLIN FACTORY TOUR
Paul Monachino
Come and hear the amazing true story of "The Phoenix", better known as the Mason & Hamlin Company (1854-2005), as told by Paul Monachino, an employee of 59 years. Paul has lived through most of the changes and is still very much a part of the Mason & Hamlin Company. He will present a video tour on how the piano is manufactured from the beginning to the finished product. This will include the new 9'4" Model "CC" Concert Grand with new and old methods, including the new CNC Router.

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE R-371
David Rubenstein
What is 12 feet long, has a 2 piece 11 foot long lid, has 21 ribs, a ½ in thick steel plate, a ½ in thick sound board slightly tapered at the edges and has the longest string at 3,000 mm (that is 1,200 in or 10 feet). Why it's the R-371, of course! That's the world's largest piano, handmade by David Rubenstein. David will present a power point slide show detailing the five-plus years it took to create this one of a kind.

BÖSENDORFER, BEFORE THE CURTAIN RISES
Ray Chandler and Ed Whitting
Just imagine, its 2 two hours before the concert, you've tuned the piano. Now the artist is concerned about something other than tuning. What is possible for you to do to the piano to satisfy tonight's artist in light of the knowledge that the piano is scheduled to be used by another artist tomorrow morning? This will be a very unique class because it will be given in the hotel ballroom on the actual piano to be used at the Saturday night Bösendorfer Jazz Banquet. In addition, Freddie Ravel (Saturday evening's jazz pianist) will drop by for the last half hour of the class to discuss his expectations in a piano and will critique the Bösendorfer 280 to be used that night!

PLAYER PIANO CLASSES


PIANO DISC MAINTENANCE
Hands-On Lab -Mark Burgett
In this class we will review the components that make up the PianoDisc system and how it operates. You will learn the skills required for calibration and adjustments of the PianoDisc system. Workstations will be setup for hands on training.

*Introduction to Opus7: Preview the new Opus7. Opus 7 is a collection of modular components. A full presentation of these system components and their core functionality will be offered at a future date after this conference.

YAMAHA DISKLAVIER MARK IV
Bill Brandom and Fredy Atcheson
Introducing a brand new generation of Disklavier! The features and serviceability incorporated in this Disklavier are dramatically improved over our earlier pianos. This class will introduce you to the many features of the new system, and walk you through a setup and calibration of the system. This is done very differently than in earlier systems, and we are eager to show it off to you. We know that you will be excited by this latest development in the instrument we love.

REBUILDING & REPAIR CLASSES


INSTALATION OF GRAND DAMPERS, MASTERING THE BEAST!
Karen Robinson
This class addresses the entire damper system from wire bending and felt selection to regulating the underlevers and shelf-timing, with a view to understanding the system to allow for accurate, quiet and efficient damper installation. Some additional aspects of damper service to be covered include service of the upper damper guide bushings, setting the liberty rail, and troubleshooting noisy felts.

NEW KEYS
Bob Marinelli
Contrary to popular opinion, piano keys do not last forever. We have seen hundreds of keyboards that at first glance seem ok, but upon detailed inspection have no hope of another bushing or keytop job. How do you determine whether your keyboard is a candidate for new keys? This question and other related topics will be covered in this class. Topics covered will include all necessary measurements, including how parts selection and keyboard geometry need to be mated together. Optional services covered will include pre-hung hammers, new action parts, and complete action balancing and key leading. Pianotek Supply Co. is very proud to announce a partnership with Kluge Klaviaturen, the oldest and most prestigious keyboard maker in the world. The benefits of this new partnership will also be discussed.

INSTALLATION OF THE GRAND, PRE-CROWNED SOUNDBOARD
André Bolduc
(3 Hrs)
André Bolduc shows how to take the proper measurements and references before removing the original soundboard and also how to dry and prepare the soundboard before installation. A DVD prepared by Christian Bolduc in Bolduc's shop is available at www.pianobolduc.com.

EUROPEAN PINNING
Jurgen Goerning
This class will introduce an alternate methodology of re-pinning action centers. The traditional European method taught here utilizes a 2-foot long center pin wire, which serves as a reamer, burnisher and center pin all in one. This fast and efficient technique will be explained and demonstrated, and helpful hints, jigs and tools will be introduced. Hands on practice as time allows. This is a class will benefit technicians of all skill levels.

FINISH RESTORATION
Webb & Ruth Phillips
Webb and Ruth Phillips bring their expertise in wood and finishes to an area seldom covered, that of cleaning and restoring older finishes. Sometimes the customer's budget doesn't allow for a full refinishing, but the cabinet is lovely and has beautiful wood just waiting for a chance to shine. Trade-ins leap in value when the finish is beautiful. Learn how to make repairs, de-gunk the finish and put a glow onto old finishes.

PRACTICAL TOUCH WEIGHT ANALYSIS
Wally & Melanie Brooks
Presenting a simple, practical approach to touch weight and its uses in grand hammer and action parts replacement that works! This class will prepare you with the proper technical knowledge of weight measurements and parts selection and their effects on tone and touch in the grand piano action and the use of sample kits.

BURNING AND TRAVELING, WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
Joel & Priscilla Rappaport
Confused? These operations are used in spacing and alignment of the hammers to the strings. Methods of burning and traveling will be discussed and demonstrated using a mini action model. Come see how this work affects regulation. Techniques and standards of good hammer gluing will also be covered, since hammers must be glued properly in order to perform burning and traveling correctly.

UPRIGHT ACTION PARTS REPLACEMENT
Wally & Melanie Brooks
The availability and practicality of replacing action parts in uprights will be discussed. The class will cover the installation of new whippens, butts, damper and levers, and hammers.

REGULATION CLASSES


WHERE'S THE JACK?
LaRoy Edwards, David Reed, Shinya Matsumoto
Christofori really didn't invent the piano as we know it, but he did invent the escapement principle. This means the genius of the piano is really in the concept, design & use of the jack. This program will discuss the regulation of the piano through the design, movement, placement, and especially the position of the jack during and at the end of each key stroke. It will allow the audience to understand the process of regulation better by comparing the regulation measurements with the position of the jack attained by the use of those measurements. It answers questions like: What is the best amount of aftertouch and why? How can regulation improve speed of repetition? Why do all manufacturers recommend the same position for the jack at rest? This is a class that can be highly recommended for the serious student of piano technology.

THE TRICKS OF TRAP WORK
Mark Wisner & Dave Campbell
This 90-minute class will address an assortment of different pedal "challenges", from the pedal on up. Efficient and effective maintenance, adjustment, and repair techniques will be discussed for many different makes.

MECHANICS OF GRAND REGULATION
Wally & Melanie Brooks
This class is a thought provoking study and demonstration in simplicity of the grand piano action and regulation. Learn the whys and wherefores of each step of regulation and the ability to regulate by feel and touch. A good class for the expert or novice alike.

A PRIMER FOR REGULATING STEINWAY & SONS GRAND PIANOS
Eric Schandall and Kent Webb
Steinway & Sons pianos have set the standard in design and quality for well over a century. Distinct design and mechanical features of our pianos must be understood in order for successful preparation and presentation of these musical instruments. We will examine all aspects of regulating in this two-part class, utilizing procedures from the Factory and from the Concert Department. This will be a class that covers the basics in an advanced presentation.

GRAND REGULATION IN THE REAL WORLD
Joe Swenson
This totally new perspective on grand piano regulation will help you gain confidence and efficiency in this often over-looked area of routine piano service. By tying together all of the traditional procedures associated with regulation, and categorizing them in a logical manner, the technician can begin thinking of "The Four Steps of Regulation" – a thought process that makes action evaluation and service more economical for you and the customer. New, time saving techniques are also presented. This is a class that addresses high level regulation in the real world of time and budget constraints.

SAMICK – THEN AND NOW (Regulation)
Roger Jolly & Phil Glenn
Phil and Roger will discuss some of the common pitfalls and problems with Samick pianos over the years, what the company has done to improve things and how to make any repairs in the field. Voicing and regulation tips and techniques for pianos both old and new will also be demonstrated. This class is not only for those that regularly see Samick made instruments, as there will be a wealth of valuable information that can apply to many brands.

TUNING CLASSES


TUNING WITH THE VERITUNER 100
Dave Carpenter, RPT
See up close how to take advantage of the unique tuning features of both the Verituner 100 and the new Verituner Pocket. We will demonstrate how to perform pitch raises, fine tuning, setting standard pitch, temperament, custom stretch styles, and saving tunings. Learn the best practices for using the Verituner's exclusive inharmonicity measuring technology to give the best tuning on any piano with the fewest steps.

INTO TO THE SMARTER RCT
Dean Reyburn & Carl Lieberman
In this class we will demonstrate how to use RCT's improved analysis of a piano's inharmonicity. This creates smoother transitions at the breaks and better fine tunings. We will explore quick and accurate pitch raises. We will examine the convergence of our ears aural preferences with a machine's digital decision making.

CUSTOM TUNINGS WITH THE ACCU-TUNER
Dr. Al Sanderson & Paul Sanderson
The Accu-Tuner has many methods for creating a tuning and you can pick the method that suits you best. The standard generic tuning works for pitch raising and basic tuning jobs. The three measurement FAC method creates a custom tuning. One measurement and the Double Octave Beat control creates the only tuning that is perfectly tailored on the fly. Technician involvement in the creation of the tuning varies to the needs of the job and the level of piano/performer. This is the class to learn about new ways to create tunings, pitch raises, offset tunings, and with the only instrument that truly compares the piano to a pitch.

SPEED TUNING TIPS
Joel & Priscilla Rappaport
This may not be what you think! For intermediate tuners who are working on their first 500 tunings, this class presents efficient methods and procedures, while maintaining the highest of standards. Practical tips are shown and discussed. There is bound to be something of value for each person.

VOICING & SERVICING CLASSES


POLAR VOICING AND THE PIANO HAMMER
Chris Robinson
This class will examine the polarity of the piano hammer, and how one may use this characteristic to achieve uniformity, intensity, power, and increased color in the production of tone in the grand piano. Like acupuncture, there are certain areas of the hammer that can be manipulated to achieve very specific effects. Come and delve into the mysterious but discoverable behavior of the felt piano hammer with Chris for an interesting and challenging class.

VERTICAL PIANOS, SERVICE AND TROUBLE SHOOTING
Kent Webb & Eric Schandall
Kent will discuss the various problems, causes, and repair techniques associated with the vertical piano. Included will be noise diagnosis, regulation tips, touch analysis, and other items we encounter in our service schedules. The vertical piano is still the most commonly encountered piano we service today. Be sure not to miss this essential class on this important aspect of our market.

VOICING THE SHIGERU GRAND PIANO
Don Mannino & Terry Otake
Since 2001 Shigeru Kawai pianos have been gaining a strong reputation amongst musicians and technicians for being impeccably made pianos with uncommonly good sustain and a warm, full tone. This class presents a duo of instructors, Kawai's Don Mannino and Terry Otake, discussing and demonstrating voicing techniques used in the factory and taught in the Shigeru Kawai technical academy sessions at Kawai America. Topics will include essential preparation which is required before voicing the piano, needling patterns for developing good tone in new hammers, and fine voicing techniques for creating the longest possible sustain and sweetness in the piano tone.

VOICING, AN INTEGRAL PART OF PIANO MAINTENANCE
Joe Swenson
With pragmatic, easily understood techniques, Joe demonstrates methods to establish a piano's unique "voice" while achieving stable and consistent tone regulation. Using concepts obtained from recent scientific inquiries into the physical properties of piano hammers, this class will help the technician develop a clear understanding of the process of voicing, and how this process ties in to other aspects of piano service. Time will be equally shared between demonstration and discussion.

SPECIAL FRIDAY NIGHT CLASS


TIC-TAC-TOONER 3
The Happy Merry Workers; Richard Davenport, Mark Stern, Kayoko Forrest, Pamella Consoli
"Try to come up with something new," was the challenge. The Happy Merry Workers always wanted to present a class. Collectively, we decided on a quiz show format. Realizing that most quiz shows involved intimidating, and sometimes embarrassing competition, we decided to model our class after the gentler Hollywood Squares.

Contestants would be chosen from the audience and panelists selected from various participating piano companies and businesses. Rather than stress out the contestants, their only duty is to agree or disagree with their selected panelist in a game of tic, tac, toe. TIC TAC TOONER evolved from this basic idea. TTT3 will "Kick it up a notch." More games will be played. More prizes awarded. And, more truly unique questions answered.

Enter the TTT3 contest right here on the Double Feature website and win a chance to be chosen as a contestant. Each contestant playing the February 10th game wins a nice prize furnished by our panel. Don't miss all the fun during period 4, Friday, February 10, 2006.

SUPER SUNDAY SEMINARS


GRAND DAMPER INSTALLATION
Joel & Priscilla Rappaport
Dampers are never a problem unless they don't work; then they demand attention! Did you ever wonder how the factory gets the dampers looking so nice and working so well? This class starts at the beginning, showing how the grand damper system is set up. Many basic details are covered. When the basics are right, a flawless damper job is much easier. Lots of tips and techniques from former factory damper installers. Selection of felts, installation and regulation are covered as well as troubleshooting "damper ring-through" and how to correct it. At the end of the class, there will be opportunities for the class to try some of the tools and operations.

BELLIES, BRIDGES AND BEARINGS
Nick Gravagne & David Vanderlip
A broad-ranging class detailing the many aspects of new soundboard installation. Considering both theory and practice, Nick and David will discuss and demonstrate the many techniques and tools they use to install a new soundboard and set bridge bearing. Of particular interest is the concept of total dry-fit and teardown, whereby temporary fits of the soundboard to the rim, and bridge to the board, allow for the bearing to be set via use of standard gage blocks rather than kerfing tools. Once bearing is determined, the board is removed from the rim, and the bridge removed from the board for planing, notching and pinning. Come see the videos and bearing-setting demo on an actual grand piano.

ARE YOU STILL REGULATIONALLY CHALLENGED?
Baldassin, Teel, and Renner All-Stars
*** (Class limit 30, RPT's Only)***
This "hands-on" grand regulation class is a follow-up to the "Are You Regulationally Challenged?" class taught previously at the California State Conference. Each class member will be provided with a Renner action model and the tools necessary to perform the regulation steps. You will learn a procedure that allows the action, not specifications, to dictate the proper regulation. The Renner team will assist you as you work to insure your success and add additional insight.