Convention Issue Johnny Pearson Tribute June 2011

Michio Takayama giving assistance at his Kawai Concert Grand Preparation Class at this years PTA Convention at Worksop. Read about all the classes inside. Smart, Simple,

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Above, Pocket RCT’s tuning module “CyberEar” on a Pocket PC. CyberEar’s spinner gives you the ultimate in pitch control. Reyburn CyberTuner Pocket PC Windows Macintosh www.reyburn.com Gavin Crooks receiving the Val Addis Memorial Award Busy at the ‘Spring Clinic’ Editorial — 4 President Writes — 5 Steinway Study Day Notice — 5 Meet The PTA at Vale Pianos — 5 Membership News — 6 Convention Supporters — 7 Johnny Pearson Tribute — 8 Convention Reports start from… — 10 PTA AGM — 14 PTA Diary — 27

Fun at the Tool Auction. It was a long night in the bar

For your advertising in PTA News, at very reasonable rates, please contact: Tania Staite, Flat 8, Deepdene, 15 Streatham Common Northside, London, SW16 3HQ. Copy may then be emailed to the Editor at:[email protected]

The next deadline for PTA News is separately to the text. Items can only be returned if Friday 15th July 2011. accompanied by an SAE. Please obtain the necessary permission before submitting copyrighted items. PTA News is the Newsletter for the Pianoforte PTA News Tuners’ Association. All views expressed are those of Cobblestones the contributors and do not necessarily reflect the Church Lane views of the PTA or the editorial team. Great Holland Please address letters intended for publication to FRINTON-ON-SEA ‘The Editor’, preferably sent via email, computer disk Essex CO13 0JS or typed. If by email or disc please send photos [email protected]

June 2011 3 It doesn’t matter just how much I Editorial tell myself NOT to come back from Matthew Gough the PTA Convention with any more new tools, I just can’t help myself! Now, my already bulging tool case (well, out this project as an extra two cases actually) has some more to your course work. Rick occupants to give some company to the Ohlendorf has written a review of the many who are already in there. They’ll soon concert further on. be complaining of lack of space and It was wonderful to see one of those petitioning me for a third case. students, Gavin Crooks, receiving the Val The trade stands at this years Addis Memorial Award at the PTA lunch, Convention at The Lion Hotel in Worksop for exceptional work at college. Val had the seemed to have even more ingenious new foresight to understand that our college tools and devices than normal. A ‘Bargain students are the future of the industry and of Basket’ proved to be a big draw and hosted the PTA. Hopefully, with our support, the the most enormous pair of pliers I have ever Students will understand how the PTA can seen in my life! Indeed, there was plenty of be of help to them in their own future. It merry banter about the purpose of this or was lovely that some PTA Students made that tool or what those lovely looking the effort to come along to Worksop and it traditional wooden wedges are for. was a pleasure to meet them A very interesting video was on constant Judging from the accounts I have rotation in the Exhibition area, showing the received, the classes were of huge benefit making of a Kawai piano from start to as usual. It’s amazing how even one little finish. It would be unfair to say that the tip in a whole class can change the way you piano appeared to have no human contact in work for the better and forever. That tip the process but on playing the two Kawais would just not have happened had you not on show, I asked myself how much that attended the PTA Convention. would matter, if such excellent pianos as It was a joy to be able to put faces to the these had been produced in that way. names I print onto the envelopes that house The process in the video was all so very every issue of PTA News. A drink in the different from the slides of the New York bar, a good dinner together, these make the Steinway Factory in 1916. This pre dinner Convention even more memorable. treat was provided by Eric Schandall and If you have been kind enough to was an extraordinary reminder of days gone compile a report for me then please accept by. No ear protection in the stringing my heartfelt thanks. You will find reports department in those days! You can read on all the various classes starting on page John Lamberts report elsewhere in this issue. 10, after a tribute to the great Johnny Another pre dinner extra was a concert Pearson, a PTA Patron, who died in April. for two pianos which was especially Only another five editions of PTA News arranged by PTA Member Phil Taylor. One to go before the next PTA Convention in of the pianos had been largely reconditioned Hereford from 16th-19th May by two of the final year students at Newark, 2012. David Barker and Gavin Crooks. Very good Put the date in your diary it sounded too and well done to you both for now! the hard work and dedication in carrying 4 The contents of The President Writes this PTA News will Keith Owen show that yet again this year's Convention has by a small handful of been a triumph. people who also have businesses, families and Preparation for each Convention starts other P.T.A. two to three years ahead; the selection, responsibilities – so you will negotiation and booking of the hotel alone understand my mortification upon realising has to be done this far in advance in order that in my after-lunch speech this year, in a to secure our venue. Then, as time goes on, mental aberration spectacular even by my the classes are arranged, sponsors sought, standards, I failed to say "Thank You" to exhibitors booked and a working overview those who have worked so hard on our of the programme of is set out. Ideas are behalf. This deprived me of the pleasure of sought for peripheral events, and anything expressing out loud the gratitude I feel, but, else that adds interest and value. more to the point, it also it meant that the As the date approaches and the assembled company were not able to application forms go out, there is the applaud as they no doubt wished. For this business of allocating classes, hotel rooms, I apologise. sorting out who wants to share with whom, Let me now say "Thank You" to dealing with the finances, and then finally Brian Frost, Andrew Jamieson, Annette arriving at the venue a day ahead of Summers and Lewis Flisher. everyone else to sort out the logisitics of what goes where – no easy matter where Best wishes, pianos are concerned. All this takes hundreds of hours' work Keith. PTA/Steinway Study Day Steinway Hall, London – Friday 14th October With Bill Shull BOOKING FORM ENCLOSED WITH THIS ISSUE For more forms or further information please contact the PTA Secretary Meet The PTA at Vale Pianos, Worcestershire Saturday 7th October from 10am-4pm There will be a Master Class from a Kawai MPA Technician and a tour of the Vale Pianos showrooms and workshops. Lunch will be provided. Please email [email protected] to book your place.

June 2011 5 Membership News Congratulation to new PTA Member: Annette Summers 1218 Mr David Day (previously S293) 3 Daffodil Wood BUILTH WELLS Powys LD2 3LE Tel: 01982 553623 home or 01432 265725 work

and welcome to new Associate; A86 Mr JA Eastoe Pell Howell Priory Road DISS IP22 1AJ Tel: 01379 644534

and the following students: S347 Mr JJ Pashley, 14 Folds Crescent, SHEFFIELD S8 0EQ Tel: 01142 351508 or mobile no. 07772 501474

S348 Mr Paul Hampshire, 6 Alder Chase, Scholes, ROTHERHAM S61 2XU Tel: 07740 443352

Please note these changes to the PTA Year Book:

1117 Gillian Stone has a new address; Flat 18, Westward Court, Ebley STROUD, Gloucester GL5 4ST Tel: 075115 22381

S333 Lynne Montague has also moved to: 33 Temple Road, LONDON W5 4SL

1202 Nigel Polmear now has an email address: [email protected]

1176 David Wheeler has a new one: [email protected]

1003 Eric Sievers email should be: [email protected]

1159 Graham Cooke’s email should be: [email protected] Brian Brassington

Patricia Brassington has told us the sad news that her husband Brian died in April. Patricia says that although not a regular attender at events or Conventions, Brian always valued the service and support provided by the PTA. We also valued his support as he had been a Member for the many years he had worked as a self employed tuner. We pass on our sincere condolences to Patricia and her Family.

6 Please send any changes to the PTA Secretary using the contact details on P.27 Thank you to our Supporters at Worksop!

Barry Caradine Fletcher and Newman Ltd Grotrian Steinweg Heckscher and Co. Jaques Samuel Pianos Kawai UK Kent Piano König Kent Piano and Renner Heckscher and Co. Pianoforte Marwood Robert Morley Pianos Renner Steinway and Sons Vale Pianos Wessel, Nickel and Gross

Fletcher and Newman Ltd Wessel, Nickel and Gross

Graham from Heckschers with Rick Kawai The ‘Fletchers’ girls hard at work Johnny Pearson (1925-2011) A Personal tribute by Malcolm J. McKeand

It is with sadness that I write to pay tribute to Johnny Pearson who died in the early hours of Sunday 20th March 2011. I was introduced to Johnny and his devoted and charming wife Alex just over thirty years ago by my own piano tuning teacher, John Spice MPTA. They had both grown up in South-East London and were the best of friends throughout their long lives speaking on the telephone regularly right up until John Spice’s recent death Johnny was a child prodigy, winning a scholarship to study at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art at nine years of age, having the privilege of learning the piano from that great British concert pianist, Solomon. He trained as a Tool Maker but his heart was always in music and after his National Service, he joined the Malcolm Mitchell Trio as both pianist and arranger. He became a household name with ‘Sounds Orchestral’ and in 1965 was asked to put together an orchestra and be the Musical Director for the BBC’s ‘Top of the Pops’ which up until that time had only had the artists miming to recorded music. He stayed in this post for 16 years. Johnny worked with a great many famous musicians and was multi-talented as an accompanist, soloist, musical director, composer and arranger. He always impressed me with his ability to keep up-to-date with modern technology too. He mastered the use of recording studio technology and writing his music directly on to a computer. Of

8 his 500 or so compositions over the years, the general public knows him best for the theme music to the TV series ‘Owen M.D.’ with ‘Sleepy shores’ which won him a gold disc which was always on the wall of his home recording studio. The ITN ‘News at Ten’ theme was his for 25 years and in more recent times the lovely ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ for the James Herriot TV Vet series is still universally enjoyed. He became a Partner in the Lansdowne Recording Studio in 1980 and CTS at Wembley in 1987. Although famous and successful, he was always willing to be part of student life at The London College of Furniture’s Christmas and Leaving Piano Parties I arranged each year where he was much admired by the students and staff alike. This led to him being invited to the Pianoforte Tuners’ Association Conventions as a special guest, where, for many years, often with John Spice, he would entertain us. I therefore consider it a great privilege to have been Johnny’s personal tuner and technician these past thirty years looking after his beloved Steinway ‘B’ grand piano and his Yamaha U3 upright piano plus many recording sessions in different studios. Over time, we became close personal friends too and I owe much to Johnny and Alex for their friendship, advice and support. For me, the most wonderful thing was to stand by the piano after tuning it for him and listen to him play and occasionally venture a request: ‘Could you play Misty for me please Johnny?’ For Johnny had met and knew Errol Garner and could play any piece in any key in any style. A true musician and Master of the Keyboard. He will be sorely missed. BROADWOODS Can provide detailed information about their grand, upright or square pianos made from the year 1817. Usually we can confirm the date of manufacture, the name and address of the first purchaser and provide outline technical details of each instrument. FOR FURTHER DETAILS PHONE (01580) 212713

John Broadwood & Sons Ltd. ESTABLISHED 1728 Finchcocks, Goudhurst, Kent, TN17 1HH.

June 2011 9 Kawai Concert Grand Preparation Taken By Michio Takayama – Report by Steve Venn

ensuring correct strike point, key easing where necessary, and then demonstrated techniques for travelling hammers and levers, and the whole range of regulation jobs. I was impressed by his extremely logical and systematic approach to the work, and tremendous attention to detail. As an example, I noticed one Before introducing Michio to particular point which illustrates the us, Neil Sale of Kawai gave a brief importance of ‘thinking ahead’: prior to description of the current Kawai removing the cradle, Michio action, pointing out its various recommended checking the tightness of distinguishing features. the screws before unscrewing them, so that any stripped threads can be dealt with Michio then took us through a very while the cradle is off – thus saving time thorough process which in reality was later. much more than concert preparation, as it Some aspects of this class led to took a close look at the condition and set- questions and discussion, and despite up of all the important components of the Michio’s good command of English we grand piano, along with his methods for were also greatly assisted by the Japanese correcting any faults along the way. Some member of the group who occasionally of these procedures were of course acted as interpreter! familiar to us, but watching and listening This was just a morning class and it to any skilled, specialist technician such was over before we had covered as Michio is bound to bring to light new everything that I would like to have done. ways of tackling such jobs. This class was However I don’t think I was the only one no exception. who found it to be an extremely helpful Michio dealt with the importance of session. checking tightness of frame screws,

Ladies and Composite Piano Actions Gentleman, I have Taken By Bruce Clark with Andreas Duetz seen the future and it is black…Carbon Report by Mark Beglin Epoxy Black. Bruce Clark, head engineer at Mason and Hamlyn / Wessell, fan of wood, wood and I go back a long Nickel and Gross, with help from Andreas way, but one couldn’t help but admire the Duetz, was our master of ceremonies. His Tubular Lever Interface (that’s hammer enthusiasm for the WNG Composite butt to you) and it did feel like betraying Action was contagious. Now, I’m a big an old friend when I got rather excited about the stats. 10 wooden ones, making them more responsive and with a quicker return, giving a better sustain in the treble, so you won’t need to be tippy tapping shanks to see which will be suitable for treble or bass. Secondly, the composite bushings are made of a secret ingredient, which is denser than teflon, self lubricating and can cope with all levels of humidity. What else is there…oh yes, Heels and Rollers (he did call them knuckles, but we Composite Action = 31,000 PSI knew what he meant) can be repositioned. tensile strength. Wood = 2,500 PSI. The position of the Heel needs to be set in Composite has equal strength in all the factory, but the ‘knuckles’ you can axes, it’s non-hydroscopic, has a high adjust yourself. strength to weight ratio and will not rot or All in all, a real eye opener. We asked degrade over time (but doesn’t like UV Bruce about prices and he told us $380 for light). a set of shanks and flanges. Not cheap, but There are two major innovations here. as Bruce said ‘We’re striving to make Firstly, the Carbon Epoxy Tubular Shanks, things better, not cheaper. which are lighter and more rigid than Practical Piano Work Taken By Eric Schandall – Report by Matthew Gough entitled ‘The Official Guide To Steinway Pianos’ which will be published shortly by Amadeus Press. Eric shared his wealth of knowledge in a quiet and patient style and was a joy to listen to. His lecture was in three parts, firstly a tour of the Vertical Focus Factory in New York, then Vertical Piano Eric Schandall has been Servicing including sostenuto and finally working in the piano industry since voicing of both hard and soft hammers 1967, most recently as with techniques compared and contrasted. Administrator and Teacher of His lecture was enhanced by a Technical Training and Education wonderful visual presentation which at the CF Theodor Steinway illustrated and enhanced his words Technical Academy at Steinway beautifully. New York. Many wise words were spoken. How about ‘The artists are our Teachers. Don’t He dedicated this lecture to his friend miss what the pianist feels, look from and colleague Roy Kehl, the Steinway their perspective. If a pianist says there is Archivist, who has recently died. Roy has a problem, then there is!’. Easy to forget co-authored a book with David Kirkland Continued Overleaf June 2011 11 Practical Piano Work Continued

when we are so sure that it’s information like these were numerous! us who are the experts. Here’s another; if you’ve ever wondered To complement the wise what effect your customers sunny window words were countless has on their piano, Eric showed us this invaluable tips. For example, little trick when explaining the effect of if you have a Grand Piano the heat from stage lighting. He rubbed with keys that feel slightly the right hand string of a perfect unison heavy and the concert is soon very lightly with a felt wedge and the to start, try taking the action unison went totally haywire! A good one out, resting it carefully on its to show the customer maybe? back edge and brushing some We were taken from preparation and ‘prolube’ onto the bat pins, evaluation right through to toning but without having to take all the keys procedure, with advice on the many off….smart! differences in the toning of lacquered or Using photo’s, Eric was able to unlacquered hammers. explain many of the various design Thanks to Eric for a superbly features which are unique to Steinway. informative and enjoyable lecture. A The thinking behind the development of learning‘fest’ to savour and a Masterclass their hammer rest rail alone was amazing. indeed! Did you know that the weight of the polyester on a Steinway Grand adds about You can find Tania Staite’s report on 100lbs to the instrument or that even another Eric Schandall PTA/Steinway hammer shanks are sorted and selected on lecture in the February 2010 edition of their sound qualities? Little gems of PTA News Harpsichord Repairs and Tuning Taken by Roger Blackbourn – Report by Gordon Nelson We could therefore come across antique instruments, but are more likely to work on mass-produced Harpsichords Spinets and Virginals from the post war years. We can expect also to see the work of individual craftsmen who frequently are inspired by makers of the past. Among the latter, the Flemish Ruckers family were outstanding. All instruments feature jacks to which Gordon Nelson (left), Roger Blackbourn and Douglas McBay (right) are attached plectra and dampers. Most of Roger began by reminding us the class time was spent practising that Harpsichords have been in replacing and voicing plectra on a John existence for more than twice as Morley Virginal. A good light, a supply of many years as pianos. new razor blades and a steady hand held near the body enabled the class to 12 make the minute adjustments to the plectra necessary to achieve an acceptable amount and quality of sound. Roger's willingness to share his life- time's experience during the Convention and throughout the year , as I can confirm, is invaluable; and yet another good reason to attend PTA Conventions! Spurlock Tools Taken by Rick Ohlendorf – Report by John Lambert impressed. I was wrong. If one is to make a decent living from quality piano restoration it is no good just being good, one must be quick, and these tools are designed with these two elements in mind. Rick Ohlendorf, ably assisted by Martin Heckscher, ran through too many processes to report each in detail, but it quickly became apparent that these tools would be a valuable asset to a busy Ask any three piano technicians workshop. how to do a job and you’ll get three To give details of one, there was a jig different answers. for aligning grand hammer noses and tails Even if one basically follows the when fitting a new set. This can be a method initially taught, over the years one satisfying job to do with just a straight slowly evolves modifications. However, it edge and a practised eye, but this involves is easy to be too busy doing a job to stop applying the straight edge to both nose and take the extra time to re-think the and tail until both are right. With the whole process from the beginning. One of Spurlock system, one can apply both the joys of Convention is attending classes hands to the new head and position both on subjects/operations with which one is nose and tail accurately in one motion. familiar, and finding out that there may be Another obvious time saver was the key a better or quicker way of doing it. clamp. This enabled one to clamp a Personally, I am always rather dubious complete set of keys in two clamps and of “labour-saving” tools or devices. For carry them around with ease. It also example, I have never got the hang of positions the clamped keys in groups those ingenious devices which enable one either right way up or upside down for to regulate spoons with the action in situ – ease and speed of access when working on I carried on around in my toolkit for about bushing etc. 10 years before abandoning all hope. A useful and entertaining workshop. I give this background to show that it Thanks also to Vale Pianos for supplying was with less than an open mind that I an action. attended this class – I did not expect to be June 2011 13 PTA AGM MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL who has guided MEETING OF THE PIANOFORTE TUNERS' us skillfully Annette Summers ASSOCIATION HELD AT THE LION HO- through the work TEL, WORKSOP ON SATURDAY 14TH she has done drawing up the Code on our MAY, 2011 AT 2.45 P.M. behalf. It had been hoped last year that the Code of Conduct might be ready for a Those present vote at this year's A.G.M., but this is a Mr K Owen - President (in the Chair), complex matter and we need to be sure Mr A Jamieson - Treasurer that all the details are correct before it is Members, Associates and PTA students put to a general vote. (see list in Minute Book) In addition to the Code of Conduct, President's Opening Remarks Council has been looking at opportunities The President welcomed everyone to for providing Continuing Professional the Annual General Meeting. Development for Members. Initial ideas Apologies for Absence for ways of providing this, together with These were received from Peter ways of acknowledging those Members Metcalfe, Geoff Townsend, Terry who undergo further training have been Twissell, Eric Sievers, Roger D Willson, looked at, but like the Code of Conduct, Malcolm Hodsdon. Bruce Hayes, Phillip the setting up of an effective and fair way Kennedy, Roy O’Neil, Barnaby Fitch, of providing such a facility is complex Gordon Nelson, Kevin Brice, Phil Gray, and needs careful consideration. In my Fadi Hannah, Paul Fox view, we should concentrate on one large Minutes of the 2010 AGM issue at a time. When the Code of The Minutes of the Annual General Conduct is finally implemented we will Meeting held at the Marsham Court Hotel, have greater opportunity to discuss C.P.D. Bournemouth on 15th May, 2010 and in greater detail. published in PTA News June 2010 were These issues aside, the work of the proposed by Executive Council has been very much a Mr N Donovan, seconded by Mr L matter of keeping the P.T.A. running Sherlock and accepted as a true record of normally. the meeting. Recruitment to the P.T.A. has also President's Report been a focus of our efforts this year. The President read his report: Thanks go particularly to Matthew Gough This year started with a bold challenge for all the work he has done contacting to the P.T.A. to think about what it stands non-P.T.A. tuners. The emphasis has been for and how it should be working towards to encourage applications for Associate the best interests of its Members and the Status as an introduction, though some Piano profession in general. This have applied for Membership straight continues to generate debate both within away. This approach appears to be Council and the wider Membership at bearing fruit and the number of Students large. who have taken up the opportunity to As part of this, the formulation of a become involved is also encouraging. formal Code of Conduct for the P.T.A. "Meet the P.T.A." events are becoming continues. This has taken much Council familiar landmarks in our diaries and the time, with two specially extended Council past year has been no exception, with meetings attended by Laura Jamieson events at Steinway's, Vale Pianos and

14 Newark College. These could not take prices was a rather grey area. It was place without the hard work and good will suggested that the pricing of our hosts, and so our thanks go to recommendations should, however, Glenn Gough and his team at Steinway, continue to be published annually in the Craig and Linda Lowe, Steve Cook at Newsletter. Council is aware that some Fletcher & Newman, Neil Sale & Michio Members find this information useful and Takayama of Kawai for the event at Vale that its provision is enshrined in the Pianos and John Lord and the Students at Association's Rules. Newark College. I attended the Europiano A.G.M. and The P.T.A. website has been updated the Europiano Degree Committee Meeting to enable the downloading of Applications in Frankfurt for the first time in April for Membership, Associate, Student and together with Brian Frost. This provided Patron Status in pdf. format. some continuity as Brian was able to The Pianolist e-mail Forum continues introduce me to the other Delegates and to thrive. It has, however been of some advise me on their procedures before he concern that the freedom of speech we handed over the reins. Reports on these enjoy on the Pianolist could compromise meetings are available to anyone who the P.T.A. itself should it be deemed to wishes to see them. take responsibility for the views of P.T.A. Member Martin Locke was also individual contributors. This raised the there representing the A.B.P.T. The question of having a disclaimer added to P.T.A. was not able to attend the every contribution - an idea which was not Delegates' Meeting in St. Petersburg in universally popular. However, it was November 2010. technical difficulty which finally led to I would like to finish by giving my the abandonment of this idea. It was heartfelt thanks to all the Members of the decided that instead there should be a Executive Council and those who carry periodic "Reminder of Responsibility" out Delegated Duties behind the scenes. posted to the list to the effect that all My particular thanks go to Brian Frost, contributors are responsible for their own who has given me so much help and views. This will be implemented soon. support in my first year as President. He Matthew Gough has given notice that is leaving the Council this year and I wish he wishes to give up responsibility for the him well. I hope that the next year will be Year Book. In the absence of a volunteer a fruitful and constructive one for the to take it on, it has been decided that this P.T.A. work should now be carried out by the Secretary. Adoption of this report was proposed Council has decided that by Mr L Flisher, seconded by Mr R recommended charges for tuning should Ohlendorf. no longer appear in the Year Book. In recent times there has been some negative Treasurer's Report reaction to the wide difference between Mr. A Jamieson presented his suggested rates and it was felt that this Treasurer's report (see Minute file). was having an unfavourable effect on the Adoption of the accounts was proposed way the P.T.A. is perceived. It was also by Mr R Long, seconded by Mr G Cantrill felt that the legality of recommending and adopted unanimously. Continued Overleaf June 2011 15 AGM continued Election of new Executive Council The following were elected as there had been no other nominations: subscription. President - Mr Keith Owen Vice President - Mr John Lambert Associates: £110.00 Two Trustees - Mr Colin Reduced to £95.00 if paid within 30 days Crawford, Miss Tania Staite of the due date. Council Members - The following Patrons (minimum donation): £75.00 had accepted nomination: Mr L Flisher, Mr N Polmear, Mrs Y Shigeno, Mr C On behalf of the Members, Roger Crawford, Mr M Gough, Mr B Caradine, Staines thanked Council, Annette Mr D Fry. Summers and Bill Kreis for all the hard work involved in running the Association Determination of Fees and and everyone involved in organizing the Subscriptions from 1st January 2012 Convention. Fees and subscriptions were proposed by the Executive Council and carried There being no other formal business unanimously. One against the Associate the Annual General Meeting was closed at fee. 3.20pm.

Entrance Fee: £10 Date and venue of next AGM Subscriptions: Three Counties Hotel, Hereford on Members: £170.00 Saturday 19th May 2012. reduced to £150,00 if paid within 30 days of the due date – including Europiano

Members of the 2011/12 Executive Council: Back Row, left to right: Colin Crawford (Trustee), Lewis Flisher, Matthew Gough, Barry Caradine, Yumi Shigeno, Nigel Polmear and Tania Staite (Trustee). Front Row, left to right: Andrew Jamieson (Treasurer), Keith Owen (President), Annette Summers (Secretary) and John Lambert (Vice President). David Fry not pictured.

16 Case Scratches and Scuffs

Report by David Barker

This remnants of the paste were carefully class, removed from the once-damaged surface sponsored using a microfibre cloth, and the quality of by the repair could be gauged – flawless of Fletcher & course! Newman After a break for refreshments we and moved onto repairing a polyester surface, presented by Matt Plant of König, which although a physically tougher was mainly a practical session, material is arguably more forgiving to repair, as there is less likelihood of dealing with repairs to relatively accidentally sanding right through the minor scratches in polyurethane finish. The basic method is exactly the and polyester piano casework. same as for polyurethane. Working in pairs, we quickly began to Finally, for those with time to continue put into practice the first stages of the further there was an opportunity to repair, sanding out the “damage” to a practise on another sample – ours were small polyurethane-finished panel with the deeper scratches in a polyurethane finish – first of a specially selected sequence of and the session ended with a brief progressively finer abrasive products, in discussion of repairs to significantly this case a 1200 grit paper disc, mounted deeper scratches and chips requiring via an adaptor to an electric drill. polyester to be added as a filler. All the materials needed for the class Not surprisingly the repair kits were were provided and are the same as those very popular, and a number were sold after sold in kits. Electric drills of various types the class. Most of the items in the kit can were provided, and for anyone wishing to be re-used many times, and any of them carry out repairs for a customer this would can be re-ordered separately. be the only other significant item required. I found the pace and the relaxed, (A variable speed drill is ideal, as slow friendly presentation style of this class to speeds are important, especially in the be ideal, and would like to thank Matt, latter stages). Mark and Steve for their help and for After two phases of dry sanding (1200 sponsoring the session. and 1500 grit paper), a special 3000 grit pad was introduced which has to be used with a little water on the work-piece. Naturally a dust sheet would be advisable in most situations, throughout the process. The final two stages each utilised a sponge foam pad instead of the abrasive paper, and with each pad one of two different abrasive pastes/creams was first spread and then buffed over the surface of the repair. At the end of the last stage the June 2011 17

Grand Action Rebuilding

Report by David Barker

This practical class Then to the business of fitting was presented by hammers, which had first to be reamed to Matthias Stockle of a taper to match the Renner shanks. Here familiarity (or not) with power tools was Renner, who sponsored the class, only too evident, as the class was invited in association with Kent Pianos. one at a time to attempt the apparently Matthias has been with Renner for simple task of carefully reaming a single about 20 years and was trained in the hammer. Finally the glue-pot was (impressive) German industry system, produced (animal, hide, pearl, whatever), moving up via Craftsman and Master and the now precision-fitting hammers Craftsman qualifications to reach his were deftly (or not) glued and aligned present position as sales manager dealing with the trials at each end of the section. with the supply of piano spares. (For some reason the Generation Game So to the class itself. After a relatively c.1976 sprang to mind during this part of brief venture into the theory of action the class.) geometry and design, Matthias realised Matthias admitted that the subject (as any primary school teacher will matter which we tried to cover during this confirm) that early afternoon is not the 3-hour class would normally be presented time at which to try to impart potentially over three days, however by concentrating, taxing information, and moved onto note-taking and by watching others in slightly safer ground by introducing the their attempts to grapple with unfamiliar subject of preparing new (hard) hammers. techniques, a certain amount of We were shown (diagrammatically) worthwhile learning took place, and an how a “dynamic cushion” can be created introduction to and appreciation of the towards the nose of the hammer by Renner method of working was voicing from the shoulders upwards to provided/gained. bring springiness and feel to the hammer My thanks are due to Matthias, who felt. It was suggested that staying loyal to remained patient and cheerful throughout one supplier for a while would be most our occasionally woeful efforts to keep up, likely to produce satisfactory results with and to David Fry who generously hammer pre-voicing, as one can learn supported the class. what does and does not work well, and apply this experience to the next set, and so on. Matthias described how wippens (we discussed nomenclature and arrived at “wippens”) should be carefully aligned in three dimensional space in order to offer the “best-fit” to the capstan and to the knuckle/roller (I don't seem to have recorded the conclusion of that discussion), using travelling papers.

June 2011 19 A Reminiscence – a Photographic Tour of Steinway and Sons 1916 Report by John Lambert The late Henry Zeigler Steinway was comprehensive. Externally it covered was the last Steinway family panoramic photos and drawings of the member to be President of factory and office complex along with Steinway & Co, and Roy Kehl was close-ups. Internally, it roamed around a the Steinway archivist. very large number of workshops covering just about every stage of piano When a set of Stereopticon slides manufacture, from foundry and timber dating from 1916 was discovered storage to voicing. There were also scenes depicting a photographic tour of the of offices and many of the staff and works, inside and out, Eric Schandall had management. the foresight to sit these two gentlemen in I was very impressed by the number of front of a microphone and record their staff named during the sequence – a sign reminiscences as the slides rolled over. of good management. It was quite The result is not only fascinating but common to be told that several also very moving. Neither Henry nor Roy generations of a particular family had is with us any more, and no-one living worked for the firm. could now supply the same amount of This is a “must see” if ever the chance detail from first-hand experience. The tour arises. Upright and Grand Spring Clinic Taken by Barry Caradine Report by Andrew Day been glued in! As with the upright springs we also covered the removal, fitting and regulation of grand piano springs. This included the Erard and Herz repetition spring and the suspension spring, where fitted. We also covered the replacement of Barry's expertise and teaching the jack loops. style made for an informative and Finally Roberta demonstrated her entertaining class! skills in spring making! We covered the removal, choice of Thanks to Barry for a great class. correct replacement, fitting and regulation of the upright piano, butt, spiral, repetition (where applicable) and damper springs. It was a "hands on" class and also included the preparation of the spring cord. There were also some great tips, such as the suggestion to use wallpaper stripper to help remove those jack springs that have 20 June 2011 21 Concert For Two Pianos Performed by Benjamin Frith and Heidi Rolfe Report by Rick Ohlendorf

Both pianists are highly accomplished and perform together frequently; it was a delight to hear them and I can safely say all present thoroughly enjoyed the concert. The concert grands were a disparate pairing; a 1928 Bechstein and a 1965 Welmar, both in superb condition. The Welmar was partially rebuilt by Newark students David Barker and Gavin Crooks, under Phil’s guidance and looked immaculate. Congratulations are due to both David and Gavin for their impressive It’s not all classes and beer at workmanship. the Convention! Thanks to PTA member Phil Taylor we were fortunate enough to be treated to a superb, two piano concert at The Crossing Church & Centre on Friday evening. Phil not only sponsored the As you can see from the photos the concert, but also supplied pianos were not arranged in the normal Phil Taylor the pianos. way. This was at the discretion of the The pianists were virtuoso duo performers, but I thought the Welmar was Benjamin Frith (a pupil of Fanny a bit too far back for good balance. All in Waterman) and Heidi Rolfe, playing an all it was an enjoyable event and a break eclectic programme: from endlessly talking about pianos. Trois Valses Romantique Chabrier La Nuit... L’amour from Fantasie Tableaux Rachmaninoff Sonata K448 Mozart Concerto pour deux pianos et orchestra en ré mineur, Reduction pour deux pianos par l'auteur Poulenc

PTA Members admire the workmanship of the Students

22 Hammer Head Clinic Taken by John-Paul Williams Report by Matthew Gough

It was interesting to learn more about John-Paul started by explaining the differences between egg, pear and his approach to the way that he diamond shaped hammers and the works. differing benefits of the three. For him, good practical work starts A hand out was distributed which with good theoretical work and he is included a very scary photo of hammer constantly re-analysing and evolving his wool fibres, which was taken under the ideas, changing his tools and looking microscope. This made us all feel uneasy forward in his quest for the perfect job. I as we remembered how many times we found this to be a bit of a wake up call had reshaped hammers without using a since I do get used to sticking in my old mask. The fibres looked like a cross ways for years, even though trying out between a nest of worms and barbed wire. something new could be of huge benefit. John-Paul showed us a fascinating slow motion film of a hammer hitting strings. The top film was a properly shaped hammer and on hitting the unison all three strings vibrated in a satisfying, uniform manner. The video below showed the same seen at the same time, but this time the hammer was worn and flat. This sent the strings haywire, cavorting about wildly, vibrating in all manner of differing Many thanks to John-Paul for giving directions. Enlightening indeed. us much to mull over in a very interesting John-Paul demonstrated his techniques and thoughtful class. Your striving for for reshaping hammers right in front of us knowledge about why as well as how we using a grand action. He answered our do things, and how to improve the way we questions with patience and good humour do them is a lesson for all of us. whilst carefully continuing the demonstration. On The Road Repairs Taken by Rick Ohlendorf Our ‘On The Report by Fran Overbury Road Repairs’ class began rather A useful technique for when one is energetically as working alone and a castor cup needs Rick jumped placing or removing. A firm warning underneath a accompanied this demo to pre-check that grand piano and the legs are attached before performing demonstrated how the manoeuvre, or you could find yourself trapped in a rather uncomfortable to lift it on all fours using his back. position! Rick once had firsthand 23 June 2011 Continued on Page 25

On The Road Repairs Continued experience of this problem however he member of the group who had already luckily managed to catch hold of the attended the Spring Clinic and was very detached leg at the last second! keen to boing into the world of spring Rick proceeded to show us his making with plans to establish impressive custom-built tool box and www.wemakeanyspring.com bespoke homemade tools. We were to be Another surprising discovery was the encouraged to test these out and Vale use of superglue to remove bridge pin Pianos kindly donated an old baby grand sourced falseness. Amazingly it can also for the class to destroy... I mean repair! be used as a solution to the problem of Without any hesitation Rick took out a loose wrest pins in preference to the large hammer to break some agraffes. He controversial ‘Pin-tite’. explained the process of using a screw Rick demonstrated how much easier extracter to remove the embedded brass soundboard cleaning could be with the left when an agraffe goes bang. use of the Spurlock soundboard cleaners With a somewhat more delicate touch and how useful an action stand could be. Rick showed us his NHS alligator forceps, Kawais already have the hole for a stand a particularly natty tool normally used for to screw into, however with other makes extracting hard to reach bits of Lego from you have to make sure your customer is various human orifices. They were very not looking while you quickly bore a hole good for adding balance washers from under the key bed. underneath without removing the keys or Yumi Shigeno had a go at replacing a action. hammer shank and head and Elb Hall Other medical equipment also proved carefully to be quite handy. A syringe can be used hammered to apply CLP to damper guiderail holes the top of a and a contact lens fluid bottle can neatly misaligned store CLP decanted from its larger bottle. jack thus We also had a go at squashing swollen bending its wedge damper felts with flat pliers and centre pin. I trimming them with small Japanese removed a hairdressing scissors. back check Rick then showed us how any spring using a mole vice grip and a screwdriver with enough of a tail end can be wound or as a levering tool. unwound with round nose pliers to All in all this was a marvellous class lengthen or shorten it to the required size. enjoyed by all with many tips and tricks This was of particular interest to a certain revealed. Thank you Rick! J Scale Design For Piano Tuning Taken by Ken Forrest Have you ever Report by Hilary Martin done a lousy tuning? (I think I a badly designed scale – such did, once!) instruments are impossible to tune well, You may not have had an and Ken Forrest showed us why this 'off' day, but rather met a piano with happened, and how to cope effectively with the problem. June 2011 Continued overleaf 25 Scale Design Continued If I have any criticism whatever about concerning the tightness of wrestpins, this class, it's that it was too short. It's a downbearing angles, etc. and as we got big subject, scale design, and the deeper involved in the intricacies of you delve into it, the more complicated it inharmonicity and coincident partials, becomes. It is, therefore, a testament to time ran out on us. It is to be hoped that Ken's affable and laid back teaching style Ken can be persuaded to repeat this class that I, for one, was left wanting more. at a future convention, and that a full day The two and a half hours we had at our can be allocated to it. disposal was taken up with discussions Upright Regulation Taken by David Martin of Pianoforte Marwood Report by Shaun McLoughlin

This practical realities. This is particularly the class was case with uprights; made for the home the an obvious cabinet design is usually the first choice for consideration. The action designer must me; the fit in with this and may have to compromise the action’s performance. upright Knowing & understanding the theoretical being my ideal reveals an action’s limitations and main staple and having used one can regulate accordingly. David’s services before, I found Refreshed by the coffee break, I found much reassurance from the infinite myself on more familiar territory with the patience he showed with his practical half of the lesson. With a class technical support. size of 6 we were each provided with a Add to this his experiences as the one note model to work on. Technical Director at Britain’s last action David’s patient easy going nature manufacturer Herrburger Brooks and a came to the fore as he went round each subsequent career change to a more hands person answering every question, on approach — which he told us all was a explaining every detail, unravelling every bit of a culture shock — and you have mystery; the perfect mentor of this someone with a unique insight into the particular subject. Nice work David and piano action. thanks. The first half of the lesson was Finally, here’s a word of advice to dedicated to the technology and geometry anyone attending future conventions for behind action design. When we were each the first time. BEWARE the trade given a technical drawing, I realised I counters. They lay their best stuff out, wasn’t just brushing up on old skills; I beautifully arranged and you’re like a was relearning upright regulation at a naughty child in an unattended sweet more fundamental level. shop. A month later the bill arrives and David was keen to point out that the you’re as a repentant adult with a nasty theoretical ideal has to be tempered by hangover. Ouch!! Why did I do that?

26 Please note these dates for your diary: PTA DIARY

14th October 2011 PTA/Steinway Workshop Seminar Steinway Hall, London See Booking Form enclosed or contact the Secretary

Saturday 7th October 2011 Meet The PTA at Vale Pianos, Worcestershire Master Class and Lunch included See page 5 for info. or email [email protected]

23rd - 25th November 2011 PTA/IMIT/Renner and Co. Factory Visit Meuselwitz nr. Leipzig Visit to the Blüthner factory in Leipzig, the Renner Factory, a half day technical class by Master Technician Matthias Stoeckle and a visit to the W. Steinberg Factory. For more info email: [email protected] or phone Catherine on 01474 814330. Bookings by 29th July.

16th - 19th May 2012 PTA Convention – Hereford More details to follow. Book the date in your diary now.

For enquiries, PTA goods, changes of address or contact details: Mrs Annette Summers PTA Secretary PO Box 1312 Lightwater WOKING GU18 5UB Tel: 0845 602 8796 or 01276 850325 E-Mail: [email protected] IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF PTA NEWS: All the regular features will be back! DEADLINE FOR ARTICLES: FRIDAY 15th July Articles, letters and photos to: [email protected] or to address on page 3. Please email photos separately to articles. Photos of the Convention used in this issue were taken by Les Sherlock, Andrew Jamieson and Eri Onami. Many thanks. June 2011 27