Full Description
A richly illustrated, contemporary guide for the fundamentals of piano tuning, regulation, and repair.
Registered Piano Technician Jason Cassel provides a clear, methodical path for those interested in learning the skills of a piano technician and turning that into a career. Over 170 photos and 40 supplemental videos help the reader understand what to listen for and how to subtly manipulate the tools to achieve success.
Key Features:
- Rich Visuals: High-quality images and diagrams make complex concepts easy to understand.
- Video Content: Exclusive videos demonstrate key concepts, difficult procedures, and techniques.
- Step-by-Step Lessons: Piano tuning, regulation, and repair are structured into 35 digestible lessons.
- Hands-On Homework Assignments: Practical exercises are designed to build real-world experience.
- Regulation Adjustments Table: A clear, easy-to-follow reference table shows each adjustment point and which direction to turn the screw.
- US vs. UK Terminology Tables: Regional differences in piano terminology are explained.
Cassel explains how to safely remove the case parts of the piano and then the action parts before diving into piano tuning. He surveys the adjustment points in the piano action for both an upright and grand piano. The book includes both US and UK terminologies. Finally, the book lists the most common reasons for specific repairs, such as clicks, buzzes, squeaks, sticky keys, leaking/ringing dampers, and even a step-by-step guide to replacing a broken string.
Contents
Introduction
Unit 1. Removing the Piano Action
1. Types of Upright Pianos
2. Removing the Case Parts of an Upright Piano
3. Removing the Upright Action
4. Types of Grand Pianos
5. Removing the Case Parts of a Grand Piano
6. Removing the Grand Action
7. Deep Cleaning
Unit 1 Exam
Unit 2. Tuning
8. Beating
9. Finding the Correct Tuning Pin
10. Tuning a Unison, Part 1: Click Up
11. Tuning a Unison, Part 2: Nudge Down
12. Tuning a Unison Part 3: Polish with the Z-axis
13. Developing Good Habits
14. Tuning the Center String
15. Tuning a Unison, Part 4: Check Stability
16. Tips for Tuning in the Bass
17. Tips for Tuning the Treble
18. Pitch Raises & Tuning an Entire Piano
Unit 2 Exam
Unit 3. Upright Regulation
19. The Upright Keystroke
20. Three Adjustments on the Key
21. Three Measurements from the Hammer to the Strings
22. Upright Aftertouch
Unit 3 Exam
Unit 4. Grand Regulation
23. The Grand Keystroke
24. Three Adjustments on the Wippen
25. Four Measurements from the Hammer to the Strings
26. Grand Aftertouch
Unit 4 Exam
Unit 5. Voicing
27. Voicing for Evenness
Unit 6. Repairs
28. Pedal Adjustments
29. Clicks
30. Buzzes
31. Squeaks
32. Double-Striking Hammers
33. Sticky Keys
34. Ringing Dampers
35. Broken Strings
Final Exam
Bonus Lesson. How to Run a Business
Conclusion. What's the Next Step?
Appendix 1. A Beginner's Tool Kit
Appendix 2. Terminology to Remember
Appendix 3. Regulation Specifications
Acknowledgments
About the Author
