News & Notes T ECH S T IP. January N e w s l e t t e r o f t h e B o s t o n C h a p t e r o f t h e P i a n o T e c h n i c i a n s G u i l d

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January 2009 News & Notes N e w s l e t t e r o f t h e B o s t o n C h a p t e r o f t h e P i a n o T e c h n i c i a n s G u i l d JANUARY PARTY (NO MONTHLY MEETING) INSIDE THIS ISSUE: The Sec s

2009 Boston Chapter PTG Post-Holiday Party Home of Jude Reveley 12 Lakeview Drive Billerica, MA 3:00 pm 7:00pm Directions: Take Exit 27 off Rt 3 (between 495 and 95) toward Billerica.

1 January 2009 News & Notes N e w s l e t t e r o f t h e B o s t o n C h a p t e r o f t h e P i a n o T e c h n i c i a n s G u i l d JANUARY PARTY (NO MONTHLY MEETING) INSIDE THIS ISSUE: The Sec s Report 2 Professional Prep Tips 3 Jay Natale 4 Upcoming Events 4 Thanks, Dr. Sanderson! 3 The Poem Place? 4 David Kirkland Coming 6 Classified Advertizing 6 Exam Fees Soon to Go Up 7 January Boston Chapter PTG Post-Holiday Party Home of Jude Reveley 12 Lakeview Drive Billerica, MA 3:00 pm 7:00pm Directions: Take Exit 27 off Rt 3 (between 495 and 95) toward Billerica. Turn right onto Middlesex Turnpike, then right onto Marshall, right at Beech, and finally left at Lakeview Drive (see more detailed map on page 5). Alternatively, take Middlesex Tpk. north from 128, then left on Marshall, etc (Continued on page 7) T ECH S T IP With winter cold and dryness, I often get tiny cracks at the ends of my fingers. They hurt and take a long time to heal. Test blows are painful! So, to keep from getting this condition in the first place, try using "rubber fingertips" on your primary test blow fingers. This rubber fingertip looks like a sewing thimble made of brown rubber. They come in three sizes: s, m, and l. A box of a dozen is about $2.50 at Staples. Another option is the Leather Thimble made by Dritz. It s designed for quilters and can be found in fabric stores like JoAnn Fabrics or Fabric Place. One size fits all and it costs $4.99. If you do get fingertip cracks, try Nexcare Skin Crack Care. It looks like clear nail polish and you apply it directly on the cracks. It acts like a sealer, mainly to keep water out. And of course, wear rubber gloves at the sink or anytime you're working with cleaners or polishes. Christine Lovgren, RPT

Page January 2 2009 News & Notes News & Page Notes 2 T HE SEC S REPORT: H UBBARD HARPSICHORD Regarding The Well-Neglected Harpsichord Let s face it: as piano technicians, we are asked to perform

graciously invited the Boston PTG members to his shop for some pointers. Just as with pianos, harpsichords suffer from neglect. Instruments go un-tuned, un-regulated, un-tended, and un-loved.

2 Page January News & Notes News & Page Notes 2 T HE SEC S REPORT: H UBBARD HARPSICHORD Regarding The Well-Neglected Harpsichord Let s face it: as piano technicians, we are asked to perform tasks at times off kilter from the center of our area of study. With this in mind, Hendrik Broekman of Hubbard Harpsichords, Inc. graciously invited the Boston PTG members to his shop for some pointers. Just as with pianos, harpsichords suffer from neglect. Instruments go un-tuned, un-regulated, un-tended, and un-loved. Should we come upon such a harpsichord, Mr. Broekman suggested some things to look for: 1. Visible case distortion (especially cheek-cock) 2. Soundboard cracks (especially in swarms near the treble end of the 8 bridge) 3. Open joints around the outside and inside of the case (especially between hitchpin rails and the inside of the case) 4. Pinched jack registers due either to the wrestplank bowing toward the soundboard or the soundboard forcing the header toward the keyboards 5. Broken strings 6. Broken plectra 7. Tight or rubbing keys Know the difference When working with harpsichords, it is vital to first observe the differences between these instruments and the modern day piano. For example, one cause of sticky keys could very well stem from the pin at the rear of the key, which rides up and down in key guidance mortises as shown here. Easing balance holes is a much more delicate procedure than in pianos, requiring only the careful pressure in tilting the key to the right and then the left. Another vital difference from pianos, many harpsichords were intended to be tuned at A = 415Hz (one semitone lower), and tuning to A 440Hz may cause damage. We also need to know that a tuning set in the dead of winter can rise a semitone sharp by summer and that we should recommend that harpsichords be tuned in both winter and summer. When asked to tune a harpsichord, the first question ought to be, At what pitch? A harpsichord tuned to 415Hz will last longer than one tuned to 440Hz. Some tips and quick fixes Should you be required to fix a broken harpsichord string, a good temporary fix is to use a paper clip to make up for the lost string length. Simply unfold the middle bend in the clip (so it makes an S ), hook one end onto the hitch pin, and the other end onto the hitch pin loop in the string. This should allow for enough string at the other end to reattach to the tuning pin. We piano technicians should note there are a two different kinds of harpsichord tuning pins: zither and screwdriver. (Continued on page 3)

Page January 3 2009 News & Notes News & Page Notes 3 of the instrument, strongly recommend to the customer the more focused expertise and craftsmanship of a harpsichord specialist.

Many thanks to Hendrik Broekman of Hubbard Harpsichord, 1 Watson Place, Framingham, MA 01701 508-877-1735.

The smoother the surface of the plectra, the better the sound.

3 Page January News & Notes News & Page Notes 3 of the instrument, strongly recommend to the customer the more focused expertise and craftsmanship of a harpsichord specialist. The most important thing you can do in your experience with harpsichords is to know your boundaries but don t be afraid to expand them. More info at Many thanks to Hendrik Broekman of Hubbard Harpsichord, 1 Watson Place, Framingham, MA Elizabeth Snow, Chapter Secretary (Continued from page 2) When voicing a harpsichord, Exacto knives should be avoided, since they dull after a few strokes. A scalpel is best. The smoother the surface of the plectra, the better the sound. If broken plectra seem common to only the extreme bass and/or extreme treble of the instrument, it is likely that the plectra have been rearranged from their original positions to keep the midrange playable. As always, if the problems presented exceed the limitations of an in-house consult or your working knowledge P ROFESSIONAL PREPARATION T IPS It never fails the customer isn't at home and the Dampp -Chaser light is blinking. I look around to see if the watering can is in sight. It hardly ever is. Do I chance looking through cabinets or under the kitchen sink? Not likely. It finally has occurred to me to carry my own Dampp- Chaser watering can in my car. That way the piano gets its water, and I perform another service for my customer. Robin Flint I d like to add that having pads, bottles of humidifier treatment, spare tubes (old and new sizes), stapler for Undercovers, staples for stapler, a container full of extra Damppchaser screws, hangers, clips, etc., and an old style can is a good hedge for not having to make an extra visit that you can t charge enough for. In winter, this means shifting the fluids part in and out from the vehicle with discipline CB

Page January 4 2009 News & Notes News & Page Notes 4 T HE SHAMELESS SELF-PROMOTION SPOT!

That day came a few years ago when I bought my first piano from East Cambridge Piano in Somerville from James Nicoloro.

I promptly enrolled at the North Bennet Street School in the North End of Boston where under the direction of master technicians Jack Stebbins, Chris Lovgren, David Betts and

com, 978-223-5673 I would like to throw my hat in the ring as a piano technician who specializes in vintage electric pianos.

The shop is in Somerville and I love the work. From Jay s Overview at www.pianosbyjay.com: First and foremost I consider myself a musician and music lover.

4 Page January News & Notes News & Page Notes 4 T HE SHAMELESS SELF-PROMOTION SPOT! I had been playing the drums for practically my whole life but somehow had known that some day I would learn to play the piano. That day came a few years ago when I bought my first piano from East Cambridge Piano in Somerville from James Nicoloro. Long story short, he was kind enough to take me under his wing and teach me the time-honored tradition in piano craftsmanship. I promptly enrolled at the North Bennet Street School in the North End of Boston where under the direction of master technicians Jack Stebbins, Chris Lovgren, David Betts and Debbie Cyr, I received my piano technician s certification. I then became a member of the Piano Technicians Guild (PTG). Jay Natale Pianos by Jay I would like to throw my hat in the ring as a piano technician who specializes in vintage electric pianos. If any of you techs ever get asked if you work on Rhodes, Wurlitzer, Pianet, Clavinet, Yamaha CP70's, etc - feel free to steer them in my direction. The shop is in Somerville and I love the work. From Jay s Overview at First and foremost I consider myself a musician and music lover. After graduating from Berklee College of Music with a B.A. in Music Production and Engineering, I became an audio engineer where I honed my critical listening skills. I have built (and continue to build) long term relationships with each and every customer - one customer at a time. From Testamonials at "Jay is the best in town! he's incredible at bringing old instruments back to life. I won't let anyone else even near my Rhodes or piano." - Davy Nathan, keyboardist for Brian McKnight, Eric Benet & Roberta Flack UPCOMING EVENTS

Page January 5 2009 News & Notes Page News 5 & Notes T HANK YOU, AL SANDERSON! Dr. Albert Sanderson passed away November 16 at about 8 pm.

5 Page January News & Notes Page News 5 & Notes T HANK YOU, AL SANDERSON! Dr. Albert Sanderson passed away November 16 at about 8 pm. He died peacefully, attended by his family, having been overtaken by cancer. With great appreciation for Al's many, many contributions to our chapter and the entire PTG, pioneering the field of electronic tuning technology, well the list goes on and on... We express our condolences to his family members, especially those we know well, his wife, Mary, and sons David and Paul. Patrick Draine, RPT T HE POEM P LACE? For money you can have everything it is said. No, that is not true. You can buy food, but not appetite; medicine, but not health; soft beds, but not sleep; knowledge but not intelligence; glitter, but not comfort; fun, but not pleasure; acquaintances, but not friendship; servants, but not faithfulness; grey hair, but not honor; quiet days, but not peace. The shell of all things you can get for money. But not the kernel. That cannot be had for money. Arne Garborg ( ) ACCESS TO WHAT WE CAN So, not quite enough means a closed door. When sun sheds clouds and night to another day, ask what is what we have good for. True, we might reasonably have hoped for more, but there they were, best reasons in the way. Though not quite enough may mean a closed door this day as days that came and went before, should we then expect ourselves to say that only this or that is what we re good for? We walk an only street to what s in store, past all the hoped-for outcomes on display. Maybe not quite enough and a closed door will ship us on to some more welcoming shore. But this street is a river of pasts with prices to pay: ask what is what we have good for. And when the waters flood and it starts to pour, what, if anything, should compel us to stay? So, not quite enough means a closed door, ask what is what we have good for. Christopher Brown

6 January 2009 News & Notes Page 6 M ARCH T ECHNICAL P RESENTATION on worldwide piano making past and present. Also presented will be a slide show of Steinway decals with explanations as to when and why the decals were changed over the years. David has been working closely with Steinway archivist Roy Kehl for several years now in order to help proofread Roy s lifelong research and transcribe it to computer format. David grew up in Utah and Wyoming, maintains avid interests in piano, painting, and poetry, and is fluent in Castilian Spanish and French. His career in the piano business began in 1981 as an apprentice with Kasimoff-Blüthner in Los Angeles. Since 2001, he has worked at Steinway & Sons in the capacities of technical support and warranty administration. The Steinway System / Gallery of Steinway Decals by David Kirkland, RPT This presentation is essentially a Steinway patents and history class with verbal elaborations on details in the patent drawings in terms of their import and bearing Anyone who is interested in thoroughly understanding the components and features of piano construction will enjoy this presentation, as well as anyone who would like to know the history and provenance of their Steinway decals. Larry Buck, Program Director C LASSIFIED ADVERTIZING Wanted: Jobs Offered: Pianos for Sale: Steinway Duo-Art grand piano: which has (or had) original Duo-Art or Ampico player mechanism in a drawer below the keybed. Models M,O,L, and A are OK. The piano case was not extended as was done for earlier Duo-Art players mounted above the keybed. Likely dates of manufacture are 1933 to Commission offered for information leading to successful acquisition of this type of restorable piano. Contact: Bill Koenigsberg, Concord, MA or billkberg@comcast.net. Chris Pleim: Looking for tuning, repair and rebuilding help. Rosewood Steinway A2, complete rebuild by the Piano Rebuilders Consortium (thepianorebuilders.com), $45K. 5% commission. Contact: Chris Brown at or concordpno@verizon.com. NBSS has a Hazelton, approx 5 1/2'. Brown mahogany. Also, I have a Schaefer grand, 6'9". Late 80's vintage. Shiny black polyester. Once belonged to Kenny Rankin. Piano in Natick. Make an offer. Baldwin spinet, nice dark walnut finish with bench. In good shape, easy move. Piano in Wenham. Asking $ 750. Contact: Chris Lovgren at (NBSS shop). Many Grands and uprights for sale. See feature, page 2. Contact: Chris Pleim at Steinway B Victorian Case in Ebony $60K. Completely rebuilt. Mason & Hamlin A Ebony $45K. Redesigned and rebuilt. Contact: Jude Reveley at or info@absolute-piano.com. Please take advantage of this great advertising spot and get submissions in two weeks before each meeting, if you can, for guaranteed inclusion. Also, please notify me when you no longer need the listing. Thanks, CB

January 2009 News & Notes Page 7 News & Notes Email: news.notes@verizon.net www.bostonptg.

Programming Jude Reveley, Librarian David Nadworny, Tech Exam Christine Lovgren, Tuning Exam What, am I a dentist, this should be so like pulling teeth. Give me a little help here.

CB F EE I NCREASE NIGH FOR T UNING AND T ECHNICAL EXAMS The increasing testing fees have prompted a tremendous response.

7 January 2009 News & Notes Page 7 News & Notes news.notes@verizon.net Boston Chapter PTG Officers Patrick Draine, President Gary Ford, Vice President Joe Morocco, Treasurer Elizabeth Snow, Secretary Chapter Committees Christopher Brown, Newsletter Larry Buck, Programming Jude Reveley, Librarian David Nadworny, Tech Exam Christine Lovgren, Tuning Exam What, am I a dentist, this should be so like pulling teeth. Give me a little help here. This ought to be your party. Celebrate yourselves. Send me some content, unprovoked. CB F EE I NCREASE NIGH FOR T UNING AND T ECHNICAL EXAMS The increasing testing fees have prompted a tremendous response. The grace period before the new fees go into effect extends to the end of February. As a result, we have now scheduled NINE tuning exams before then! This is way more than we usually do in a year. If you are thinking of taking the tuning exam, it MIGHT be possible to shoehorn you in before the grace period expires. There are no guarantees, but it's worth a call. Christine Lovgren, Tuning Examiner P ARTY IS THIS SUNDAY! (Continued from page 1) Billerica N Expect plenty of great food from local Indian and Chinese restaurants. Jude s hosted this party a couple times, so he s got it under control. Pot luck offerings (salad, desserts maybe?) will be appreciated. Please RSVP Jude at And bring your instruments (of course, Jude already has a piano at home). Although the ice on Nutting Lake is a mess as we go to press, if it gets smooth & safely thick, we'll update ice skating enthusiasts.

OCTOBER 2008 INSIDE. PRESIDENT S MESSAGE Wade Johnson, RPT. Business Mtg OCTOBER MEETING. Servicing theyamaha Disklaiver - Larry Brown

OCTOBER 2008 INSIDE. PRESIDENT S MESSAGE Wade Johnson, RPT. Business Mtg OCTOBER MEETING. Servicing theyamaha Disklaiver - Larry Brown OCTOBER 2008 PRESIDENT S MESSAGE Wade Johnson, RPT At our first fall meeting Sept. 18 in Glocester RI, David Flanders did a commendable job of explaining/demonstrating his approaches to temperament and