Pianotech

I learned last week that Jack Krefting passed away last month. For many years, Jack served as a design engineer and service manager at Baldwin Piano Co., and was also our Journal's technical editor for many years. He received the Presidential Citation for his talent and willingness to share his knowledge. Although I never met him in person, I got to know him through the numerous articles that appeared in our Journal. 

Towards the end of June, I attempted to call him and introduce myself. I just wanted to thank him for all the things he did for our Guild and our profession. The person who answered the phone said he wasn't available. Now I know why. 

Thank you, Jack! May you rest in peace. 

https://linnemannfuneralhomes.com/obituary/jack-l-krefting/

------------------------------
Rick Butler RPT
The Butler School of Piano Technology
Bowie MD
240 396 7480
RickRickRickRickRick
------------------------------

Sad news, but thanks, Rick, for posting.
In the early 80’s, Martin Wisenbaker and I (Houston Chapter) attended a week long training event at the Baldwin factory in Conway, Arkansas. Jack was the main teacher at that event, and the instruction was excellent. In the evenings, I learned how to play Uno in games where Jack was the frequent and enthusiastic winner.
Later on, I faced my first pinblock replacement job with Jack’s class notes on the subject in hand. During the process, he was kind enough to take several phone calls from me in which he answered my questions and gave additional guidance. We were barely acquainted, but he took time to help me. I have never forgotten that.


Original Message:
Sent: 8/27/2025 7:13:00 PM
From: Wim Blees
Subject: RE: Jack Krefting

Thank you, Rick, for sharing this. Jack was a good friend. While was in the Guild, he was a very good Journal Editor and taught at a lot of seminars and conventions for the Baldwin Piano Company. 

Wim

Original Message:
Sent: 8/27/2025 9:39:00 PM
From: Claude Harding
Subject: RE: Jack Krefting

Sad news, but thanks, Rick, for posting.
In the early 80’s, Martin Wisenbaker and I (Houston Chapter) attended a week long training event at the Baldwin factory in Conway, Arkansas. Jack was the main teacher at that event, and the instruction was excellent. In the evenings, I learned how to play Uno in games where Jack was the frequent and enthusiastic winner.
Later on, I faced my first pinblock replacement job with Jack’s class notes on the subject in hand. During the process, he was kind enough to take several phone calls from me in which he answered my questions and gave additional guidance. We were barely acquainted, but he took time to help me. I have never forgotten that.

Jack evokes a lot of fond memories -- in many folks, I'm sure. He had great ability as a technical writer and speaker. Also he knew exactly what to say individually to a person or group, as all gifted educators adjust their message to where the listener is at. 

It might be fair to say that he helped preside over the PTJ era whereby it was changing from just a magazine to a literal reference material piece, the way it's enjoyed today. In the industry old days, factories and companies kept their technical information close to their chest, while field technicians struggled to find good info. There was a slow transition with that issue, which Jack and others were in the middle of supporting or presiding over. We benefitted from this opening up.

One time at a convention, he was lucky enough to have a console piano laid on his bed, for him to find when he got to his room at the end of the day.

And ... if you've benefitted from large Baldwin uprights that have a tenor section ending on low temperament F -- there's a special bump on the plate so a temperament strip can mute the F itself. That was Jack! 

------------------------------
David Patterson RPT
Newmarket ON
(416) 638-0901
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-27-2025 22:33
From: Wim Blees
Subject: Jack Krefting

Speaking of Pin block class, at the 1979 convention in Minneapolis, Jack taught a 2 day class on pin block replacement. I've used much of what I learned in that class to have a successful career replacing pin blocks.  

Original Message:
Sent: 8/27/2025 9:39:00 PM
From: Claude Harding
Subject: RE: Jack Krefting

Sad news, but thanks, Rick, for posting.
In the early 80's, Martin Wisenbaker and I (Houston Chapter) attended a week long training event at the Baldwin factory in Conway, Arkansas. Jack was the main teacher at that event, and the instruction was excellent. In the evenings, I learned how to play Uno in games where Jack was the frequent and enthusiastic winner.
Later on, I faced my first pinblock replacement job with Jack's class notes on the subject in hand. During the process, he was kind enough to take several phone calls from me in which he answered my questions and gave additional guidance. We were barely acquainted, but he took time to help me. I have never forgotten that.



Original Message:
Sent: 8/27/2025 7:13:00 PM
From: Wim Blees
Subject: RE: Jack Krefting

Thank you, Rick, for sharing this. Jack was a good friend. While was in the Guild, he was a very good Journal Editor and taught at a lot of seminars and conventions for the Baldwin Piano Company. 

Wim