Pianotech

  • 1.  YouTube Videos?

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 11-17-2017 14:58
    Hello All,

    Recounting from my last chapter meeting and John Parham's Editorial Perspective, what are your thoughts as to the PTG making videos for YouTube?

    True enough, having a video of a certain job that I'm unfamiliar with has been a blessing. But, YouTube "how to tune a piano" and look through the results. Also, read the comments. There's just a ton of ignorance and bad techniques being pushed out there. So, should PTG publish videos?

    Some of the thoughts from my chapter were:

    Wouldnt that encourage people to try it  on their own first, then, if they have a good ear, will realize that they need a professional?

    How much damage is done by someone trying it on their own?

    Wont the DIYers do it themselves anyway, regardless of the quality of videos published?

    If PTG were to publish videos, should they be public or members only?

    If someone watched an official PTG video, and a tech showed up and did it differently, albeit not wrongly, would that cast doubt on the technicians abilities, even if they are sound?

    Should the videos be make so technical as to turn peop to a professional, or would they just click on another video? Should they be dumbed down, so the average person can try it, the call us?

    Is it, in your opinion, a good idea for the PTG to make online training videos?

    ------------------------------
    Benjamin Sanchez
    Professional Piano Services
    (805)315-8050
    www.professional-piano-services.com
    BenPianoPro@comcast.net
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  • 2.  RE: YouTube Videos?

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 11-19-2017 09:02
    Benjamin,

    I was under the impression that we already have some. Yes/No?

    Pwg

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    Peter Grey
    Stratham NH
    603-686-2395
    pianodoctor57@gmail.com
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  • 3.  RE: YouTube Videos?

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 11-19-2017 10:46
    Look at the scrolling banner. PTG Academy online!

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    Larry Messerly, RPT
    Bringing Harmony to Homes
    www.lacrossepianotuning.com
    ljmesserly@gmail.com
    928-899-7292
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  • 4.  RE: YouTube Videos?

    Posted 11-19-2017 12:30
    See the buttons on the lower right of the home page, Youtube and Journal videos.

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    Ed Sutton
    ed440@me.com
    (980) 254-7413
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  • 5.  RE: YouTube Videos?

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 11-20-2017 13:25
    That's what I brought up at the meeting. However, I think the discussion was mostly on should PTG produce general training videos, open to the public? The online academy (members only) is great (that's where I finally figured out how to splice a string), but they were talking more of a "proper ways to tune a piano" type video, open to the public. Or, "how to fix a sticking key" video, again open to the public, where someone would potentially be able to open their piano and pull out that pencil. Or damage their piano trying.

    The thought was to produce a technical video that would be beneficial to the technician in a pinch. The problem comes, in my opinion, when people who have no idea what they're doing and they want to fix their piano.

    ------------------------------
    Benjamin Sanchez
    Professional Piano Services
    (805)315-8050
    www.professional-piano-services.com
    BenPianoPro@comcast.net
    ------------------------------



  • 6.  RE: YouTube Videos?

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 11-20-2017 18:16
    Since it has already been acknowledged that there is a plethora of stupid and poor videos out there on tuning, it might be argued that setting up the PTG as a reliable authority on the subject could be beneficial (or just plain wise). 

    People who want to do their own thing cannot be controlled. But, they can be encouraged to go to a place where accurate information is disseminated and try their hand at it. They're going to do it anyway, so why not give it to them straight?  You are not saying they should...that's their decision. 

    Most give up after a while any way. 

    Pwg

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    Peter Grey
    Stratham NH
    603-686-2395
    pianodoctor57@gmail.com
    ------------------------------



  • 7.  RE: YouTube Videos?

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 11-21-2017 00:24
    Benjamin

    The idea you have is a valid one. A lot of PTG members have produced lots of videos on lots of different topics. Some of them have even been put on U-tube by the individual technicians. 

    But for those videos to be out on the PTG website creates a slight problem.  Not all videos are created equal. Some are better than others. Not only that, but one PTG tech might not agree with the method of a procedure of another member. Then, someone has to decide which video should be put on the official PTG website. Some members might resent why his/her video was not chosen over another tech's video.  

    At present our Home Office Staff is not set up, or qualified, to do the above. The PTG would need help from our members. And at present, there is no one who has been assigned to take on this project. The Board would need to either create another committee, or task force, or even create a part time paid position, similar to the Journal Editors,  to deal with this project. 

    But, like I said. you have a very valid suggestion. Let's see where it goes. 

     


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    Willem "Wim" Blees, RPT
    Mililani, HI 96789
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  • 8.  RE: YouTube Videos?

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 11-22-2017 12:45
    Wim, 

    Your point is valid, however it is usually possible to present a safe and effective procedure for almost anything while acknowledging the fact that there are other acceptable options and opinions as well, as long as it is not attempting to promote a particular person, product, or business. If the presentation is technical and remains neutral it should work pretty well.

    I can already see some possible exceptions in the realm of the use of certain tools. With some thought though it can probably be done well. 

    Pwg

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    Peter Grey
    Stratham NH
    603-686-2395
    pianodoctor57@gmail.com
    ------------------------------



  • 9.  RE: YouTube Videos?

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 11-22-2017 13:57
    Hi Wim,

    Thanks for your comments. I have to admit though, the idea wasn't mine. It was brought up at my chapter meeting by one of the members who read John Parhams editorial perspective.

    So, If PTG were to make technical videos, should they be public, or members only?

    And, past the basic videos here already, would it be wise to produce videos that cover some of the more advanced things, like, say soundboard shimming or touchweight modification? For reasons Wim pointed out, it might cause some division.

    ------------------------------
    Benjamin Sanchez
    Professional Piano Services
    (805)315-8050
    www.professional-piano-services.com
    BenPianoPro@comcast.net
    ------------------------------



  • 10.  RE: YouTube Videos?

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 11-23-2017 08:42
    Just a point of information. 

    An Online Education Task Group is currently exploring much of what has been discussed here. 

    Two thoughts to chew on:

    1. From my perspective, PTG materials and productions which are instructional in nature should primarily be designed to pique interest in the organization - in other words - as teasers or trailers. "To learn more, join PTG." 

    2. Again, IMO - PTG must take the lead and collaborate with the few remaining educational opportunities available to partner and provide programs, instruction, and training aspiring tecnicians need to insure the next generation's skills meets the Technical and Services standards demanded by discerning clients.  

    I believe this is what a Professional Association does and we should do.  

    Happy Thanksgiving everyone. 

    "PTG - Expand your horizon - Share the vision:

    Good, Better, Best. Never let it rest, 'til the good is better and the better is best."

    George W.R.(Bill) Davis, RPT, SERVP
    The Piano Place GA
    2315 Rocky Mountain Rd NE
    Marietta GA 30066
    (770) 778-6881
    Sent from my iPhone