It kind of depends on what is meant by Optimization. Optimization is a funny word, like beauty. What is considered beautiful today would be considered a starved skeleton in ancient Rome.
Out of the last 50 Steinway B's I've worked on, in which i studied their design in every detail. The soundboards are all over the place as far as dimensions and weight are concerned. I deemed 2 of them to be phenomenal, and it was those two, that i used as part of my working formula for replacement soundboards. Even when a good design is used, the installation process is trickier than most realize, and i have seen many installers not appreciate the effect that a single procedural mistake can make on longevity and performance of the board.
I use a system of key balancing that is a little more refined than the Stanwood method. I have measured as much as a 5g mass difference from key to key in the other system, which is basically just covered over by lead placement. I have to conclude that since most pianist don't seem to be able to feel it, that it must be a distinction without a difference. But it is for me, as far as my craft goes.
And then even if optimized, it can be all screwed up by the last tech that works on it. A case in point, a recent Steinway with a new board I installed, and with a new Reyburn action installed. A local tech voiced the hammers to rock status and thus all the other hard work goes bye bye.
I go to Ohio 4 times a year, but one of my regulars from there hired me for basically all of 2027 so i can't take any other work until that's completed.
One recommendation i have would be to visit the rebuilders show room or a retail store to find the piano that matches the expectations of the client.
Stay Sprucie.
-chris
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Chernobieff Piano Restorations
chrisppff@gmail.comYoutube@chernobieffpiano
865-986-7720 (text only please)
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-20-2025 00:28
From: Brad Fant
Subject: HQ field tech and/or rebuilder needed in Cleveland area
I finally found my PTG password so I can post again. Correction on the copy/pasted message Alan sent earlier: I meant to say hammer hanging distance not hammer line!
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Brad Fant, RPT
Charlotte, NC
Original Message:
Sent: 12-19-2025 18:09
From: Dean Reyburn
Subject: HQ field tech and/or rebuilder needed in Cleveland area
We work with two other rebuilders to offer everything.
Original Message:
Sent: 12/19/2025 4:22:00 PM
From: Alan Eder
Subject: RE: HQ field tech and/or rebuilder needed in Cleveland area
Hi Dean,
Do you folks do actions only, or are you set up to do the whole kit-n-ka-boodle?
Best,
Alan
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Alan Eder, RPT
Herb Alpert School of Music
California Institute of the Arts
Valencia, CA
661.904.6483
Original Message:
Sent: 12-19-2025 15:24
From: Dean Reyburn
Subject: HQ field tech and/or rebuilder needed in Cleveland area
Hi Alan,
Our shop can handle almost anything. Ohio is not too far for a signficant rebuild job, almost right next door.
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Dean Reyburn, RPT
Reyburn Pianoworks
Reyburn CyberTuner
1-616-498-9854
dean@reyburn.com
www.reyburnpianoworks.com
www.cybertuner.com
www.reyburntools.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/dean.reyburn
Original Message:
Sent: 12-18-2025 19:45
From: Alan Eder
Subject: HQ field tech and/or rebuilder needed in Cleveland area
Greetings,
A client has family in Cleveland (too far a commute, even for me!). They have a 1984 Steinway B and would like to optimize it.
Looking for either a high-quality field technician and/or a rebuilder in the area with a good working knowledge of what this piano needs to "be all that it can be."
Thanks,
Alan
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Alan Eder, RPT
Herb Alpert School of Music
California Institute of the Arts
Valencia, CA
661.904.6483
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