Pianotech

  • 1.  What Ever Happened To...

    Posted 11-03-2021 22:52
    Two different entities:

    What happened to QuicKey Leveler? It seemed like a legitimate idea to me. I haven't timed myself yet, but boy it sure seems to take a good amount of time to go completely through key height and drop with a leveling stick and WNG/Jaras dip tools. Any ideas what happened?

    What happened to Self Tuning Piano? https://dgdevices.com/ 
    I once chatted with a college technician who mentioned he spent about 80hrs a year tuning the main stage concert grand to which I said if the Self Tuning Device were available he'd be able to use those 2 weeks worth of time regulating/voicing the piano instead or tending to other pianos in the college. He shrugged it off not seeing such a device as worthy of its time saving advantage. But the point is completely mute since this product hasn't been released yet...WHAT HAPPENED TO IT? Any ideas?

    Links in the message



  • 2.  RE: What Ever Happened To...

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 11-05-2021 12:43

    You must be referring to the elaborate key leveling set-up that was demonstrated at some conventions a number of years ago? It had a micrometer set up, and could also do key dip. The problem with the system, in my estimation, is that it wasn't "quick" at all. I knew the project was doomed when I talked with the gentleman and he bragged that with his system he could get key leveling down to 4 hours! 

    Key levelling is like tuning - there are degrees of resolution that are appropriate, and anything beyond that can be a waste of time. If the keys are basically on a straight plane, and they FEEL level, they ARE level. Using your fingers is ultimately the best gauge, because that is what the pianists feel and it keeps you in the real world. It's also a good idea to incorporate key levelling into your everyday service because it benefits from touch up from time to time as balance rail bushings wear and balance rail punchings compress. 

    As far as the self tuning piano goes - I wonder that too! The gentleman was Don Gilmore and I just checked and he still has a website and it looks like he has continued to develop the product, although he doesn't talk prices on his website. It's a fascinating concept and it looks like he may now be using some sort of induction method of heating the strings, whereas his original prototype I believe ran electrical current through the wires, which created a number of complications. 

    I'd sure love to see a demonstration of the current version - I wonder if it can match a good solid regular tuning? 



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    Ryan Sowers
    Olympia WA
    360-705-4160
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  • 3.  RE: What Ever Happened To...

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 11-05-2021 13:12
    Gilmore needs to be invited to show, or perhaps do a class, at a PTG convention/conference.

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    Geoff Sykes, RPT
    Los Angeles CA
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