Course Index

Part 1: Tuning

1.1 Introduction to Pianos, Piano Tuning, This Course and the Tuning DVDs

1.2 Beginning Tuning Hammer Techniques:

What are “Unisons”, What are “Beats”

1.3 Tuning Bass Unisons:

Understanding and Using “Ghost Tones”
Harmonic Tuning of Bass Partials

1.4 Tuning Treble Unisons:

“Notch” and “Smooth Pull” Tuning Techniques

1.5 Tuning Intervals and Setting the Temperament:

4ths and 5ths, 3rds and 6ths
Coleman A-A Temperament
Defebaugh F-F Temperament
Potter F-A Temperament (3rds & 6ths or 4ths & 5ths) European A Temperament

1.6 Treble Tuning Techniques:

Tuning “Wild Strings”, Plucking Techniques

1.7 Bass Tuning and Special Spinet Tuning Techniques

1.8 Tuning a Complete Piano: Putting It All Together

Tuning Stability and Instability:
Why Some Piano Tuner’s Tunings Hold and Other’s Do Not
Pitch Raising and Lowering Techniques

1.9 Electronic Tuning Devices:

Purposes, Types, Pros and Cons
Using Them for Training and Tuning

1.10 Tuning Antique Pianos:

European Birdcage (Overdamper) Pianos
Mason & Hamlin Screw Stringer Pianos
Square Grand Pianos, Harpsichords

1.11 Tuning Electronic Pianos and Organs:

Yamaha CP70 and CP80 Electric Piano
Baldwin, Wurlitzer and Fender Rhodes
Electric Pianos, Electric Organs

Part 2: Repairing

2.1 Introduction to Piano Repairing:

The Importance of Good Repair Techniques
Pre-Tuning Inspection
How to Troubleshoot the “Sticking Key”

2.2 Using Your DVDs and Vertical Action Model to Learn Repairing

Troubleshooting Techniques on Your Action Model
Troubleshooting Techniques in a Piano

2.3 Key Repair:

Keytop Replacement, Rebushing, Repairing, Key Buttons, Repairing Broken Keys, Capstans

2.4 Bridle Strap Replacement

Hammer Shaping

2.5 Action Repair and Replacement:

Flange Repair and Replacement, Repinning, Wippens, Stickers, Hammer Butt Assemblies, Brass Rail
Repairs, Wood & Brooks Actions

2.6 Hammer Repair and Replacement:

Broken Hammer Stems, Hammer Selection and Fitting, Hammer Installation on Verticals and Grands

2.7 Spinet Repairs:

Various Types of Direct and Indirect Blow Spinet Actions, including Thayer Indirect Blow, Baldwin
Drop Action, Sohmer/Pratt, Read Type B Drop Action, S-1 and S-2 Compact Action, Wood &
Brooks 90 degrees Inverted Direct Blow Action, Removal of Drop Actions, Wippen Repairs in the
Piano, Drop Action Repairs (Grommets and Elbows)

2.8 String Repair and Replacement:

Diagnosing, Repairing and Replacing Treble Strings, Making New Universal Bass Strings,
Ordering Factory Strings,
Livening Dead Strings, Tying Broken Strings,
Damper Selection and Replacement

2.9 Grand Action Repair:

Wippens, Shanks and Flanges, Keyframe Repairs, Damper System Repairs, Getting Parts

2.10 Pedal and Trapwork Repair: Vertical Pianos

Lyre System Repairs: Grand Pianos
Caster Repair and Replacement

2.11 Complete Action Overhaul:

Replacing Worn Leathers and Felts in the Keyframe and Action , Repairing vs. Overhauling vs.
Rebuilding vs. Restoring

2.12 Piano Stability and Instability:

Why Some Pianos Will Not Hold a Tuning
Diagnosis and Repair of: Weak Pinblock, Split Pinblock, Grand Piano Pinblock Bedding, Cracked or Broken Bridges, Cracked Soundboard, Broken Frames
Shimming and Repinning Loose Tuning Pins
Diagnosis of Humidity Problems
Use and Installation of Humidity Control Systems

2.13 Repairing Antique and Victorian Pianos:

Historical and Collectable Pianos
Square Grand Pianos (American)
Square Pianos (European)
Birdcage (Overdamper) Pianos (European)
Mason & Hamlin Screw Stringer Pianos
Harpsichords

Part 3: Regulating

3.1 Introduction to Piano Regulating:

Using Your DVDs and Vertical Action Model to Practice Regulating

3.2 Regulating Techniques for Vertical Pianos:

Consoles, Studio Uprights, Professional Uprights, Old Uprights
Vertical Piano Regulation Sequence Check-Off

3.3 Regulating Techniques for Spinet Pianos:

Differences Between Direct and Indirect Blow Actions, Pratt, Read Indirect Blow Actions, Thayer
Inverted Sticker Actions, Baldwin Drop Actions, Pratt, Read S-1 and S-2 Compact Actions, Wood & Brooks 90 degrees Inverted Direct Blow Actions, Vertical- Drop Action Regulation Sequence Check-Off

3.4 Regulating Techniques for Grand Pianos:

Grand Piano Regulation Sequence Check-Off

3.5 Basic and Intermediate Voicing Techniques:

Voicing Theory
The “Kenzoid”

3.6 Preparing Pianos for Concerts:

Troubleshooting Regulation Problems
Using the Key and Hammer Movement Graph and Chart
George Defebaugh’s Grand Piano E.S.P. Chart
Aftertouch

3.7 Regulating Antique and Victorian Pianos:

Cautions Concerning Antiques
Pre-Regulation Inspection and Reconditioning
Collectable and Non-Collectable Antique Pianos:
Documented Historical Pianos
Regulating Square Grand Pianos
Regulating Birdcage (Overdamper) Pianos
Getting Additional Help for Antiques

Part 4: Apprenticing

4.1 Introduction to Apprenticeships:

What is an Apprenticeship
Types of Apprenticeships Available Today
Where Do You Find an Apprenticeship
How You Can Get an Apprenticeship

4.2 Apprentice Training Manual:

How to Fill it Out
How to Use it to Help You Learn
How to Use it to Help You Prepare for Your PTG Registered Piano Technician Exams

4.3 The Piano Technicians Guild:

What is the Piano Technicians Guild

4.4 Getting Additional Training:

Randy Potter School Advanced Training Seminar
Attending PTG Conferences and Conventions
Manufacturer’s Factory Training Schools

Part 5: Business Practices

5.1 Starting Your Business:

How Much do Piano Technicians Earn?
Your First Tunings for Pay
Taking a Business Survey
What is a “Standard Tuning” Service
Determining Your Services
How to Sell Your Services Over the Telephone

5.2 Getting Clients:

Business Survey and Appraisal
Public Relations
Recommending Repair and Regulating Services
Tuning for Stores, Schools, Churches
Keeping Clients

5.3 Doing Your Business Paperwork:

Methods of Advertising
Determining Your Professional/Business Appearance Quotient
Insurance: Business, Auto, Health, Life

5.4 Selling, Repairs and Regulations:

Building a Repeat Clientele
Doing Purchase Consults, Appraisals and Estimates

5.5 “G” Piano Works Labor Rate Guide:

Instructions for using “G” Piano Works Labor Rate Guide, Appraisal and Estimate Forms

5.6 Dealing with Piano Dealers:

Getting In-Store Tuning Work, In-Home Dealer Work and Store Referrals

5.7 Dealing with Piano Manufacturers:

Doing Warranty Work
Getting Information, Assistance and Approval for Manufacturer Warranty Work, Getting Paid

5.8 Accounting and Taxes:

What the IRS Requires
Surviving an IRS Audit: By a Surviving Veteran (With Accounts of “Flunkies”)

Part 6: Manufacturers and Suppliers

6.1 Piano Manufacturer Brochures:

Included are brochures from many American, European and Asian Piano Manufacturers

6.2 List of Industry Suppliers:

Included are names, addresses and phone numbers of Major Piano Parts Suppliers and OtherSpecialized Parts and Technician’s Tools Suppliers

6.3 List of Piano Manufacturers:

Included are manufacturers’ names, addresses, phone numbers (including unadvertised 800 toll freenumbers for technician’s use), piano service managers and contract personnel

6.4 Supplier Brochures and Price Lists:

Included are many catalogs and wholesale price lists from Major Piano Parts Suppliers and other industrysuppliers of tools, parts and supplies.

6.5 Technical Service Manuals and Reference Material:

Included are several technical service manuals, reprints, action charts, diagrams and specifications forAmerican, European and Asian manufacturers.

Part 7: Examinations, Glossary, Miscellaneous

7.1 Examination Questions for Shipment One:

Chapters 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 4.1, 5.1, 6.1
Video and Audio Loaning Library Policy
Video and Audio Order Form
List of Loaning Library Selections
Borrowing a Yamaha PT-100 Tuning Device Policy
Loaning Library Order Form
Taking Your Examinations, Method of Grading, Graduation Requirements, Getting Your Diploma

7.2 Examination Questions for Shipment Two:

Chapters 1.3, 1.4, 2.3, 2.4, 3.2, 3.3, 4.2, 5.2, 6.2
Video and Audio Order forms

7.3 Examination Questions for Shipment Three:

Chapters 1.5, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 3.4, 4.3, 5.3, 6.3
Video and Audio Order Forms

7.4 Examination Questions for Shipment Four:

Chapters 1.6, 1.7, 2.8, 2.9, 2.10, 3.5, 4.4, 5.4, 5.5, 6.4
Video and Audio Order Forms

7.5 Examination Questions for Shipment Five:

Chapters 1.8, 1.9, 1.10, 1.11, 2.11, 2.12, 2.13, 3.6, 3.7, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 6.5
Video and Audio Order Forms
Diploma Request Form

7.6 Glossary and Index