Complete Checklist

FIRST TASKS CHECKLIST 

ONLINE TASKS (to complete within the first 30 days of membership)

___      Set up profile on my.ptg.org. 
What is my: Member Number________ Username_____   

___      Subscribe to at least one list serve on my.ptg.org. 
Which one__________

___      Register as a customer on Schaff. 
How much is a capstan wrench at each site?__________

___      Research 3 tuner’s websites. 
What things do you like about the sites?________________________________________
Dislike? ____________________________________________________________________

___      Find 3 different directory sites that list piano technicians

___      Check out webpages for Cybertuner, Accutuner, Verituner and Tune Lab.

___      Read several issues of the PTG Journal. 

IN PERSON / VIDEO CONFERENCE TASKS (to complete within the first 90 days of membership)

___      Come to at least 3 meetings, or meet online with a mentor 3 times.

                Date____, Sig_____   Date____, Sig_____ Date____, Sig___

___      Know the names of each member present at a meeting.

___      Read the PTG Code of Ethics

___      Visit all the piano stores in town - write down contact information (sales person or owner of store) for each.

___      Demonstrate taking out a grand action 

___      Demonstrate taking out an upright action

___      Try out various tuning hammers from other members.  Note which ones you like.

Ask a member to show you the following.  Or, watch a video on each.

___      String Replacement 

___      String Splicing

___      Key Bushing Repair

___      Centerpin Repair

___      Hammer Shaping

___      Upright Shank Replacement

TUNING SKILLS CHECKLIST

1) Become familiar with the piano keyboard and musical intervals:

·      Learn the names of the notes

·      Learn the names and sizes of the basic intervals

·      Be able to find any interval, upward or downward, from any key on the piano.

Resources

2) Learn the basics about sound

·      What do the words frequency, cents, and beats mean?

·      Where do beats come from?

·      Learn to hear beats between two strings (unisons and octaves)

Resources

3) Tuning technique

·      Choosing a tuning hammer

o   Pros and cons of various designs

·      The mechanics of the tuning pin and wire

o   Twist of the top of the pin ahead of the bottom of the pin turning in the pin block.

o   Lean of the pin at right angle to the tuning lever.

o   Friction of the wire against bearing points.

·      How to accommodate tuning hammer technique to account for these factors      

o   Successfully making small and stable changes of pitch

·      ETD types and their characteristics

Resources

4) Tuning ergonomics

·      Body posture

o   Adapt to various types and sizes of piano

·      Tuning hammer technique

o   Adapt to various hammer piano designs

Resources

5) Unison tuning

·      Hearing the sound of a clean unison

·      Use of various mutes

·      Adapting to false beats

·      Use of an ETD to assist in achieving a clean unison and verify its stability

Resources

6) Partials

·      How they are created by the wire

·      The partial series up to the sixth partial of each note

Resources

7) Fourths and fifths

·      The concept of coincident partials producing beats

o   Know the coincident partials of fourths and fifths

·      Use of a test note to determine if a fourth or fifth is wide, narrow or pure

·      Tune fourths and fifths so they are clean and beatless

o   Verify them using aural tests

Resources

8) Major thirds and sixths

·      Know the coincident partials of major thirds and sixths

·      Tune major thirds and sixths so they are clean and beatless

Resources

9) Octaves

·      Know the first three pairs of coincident partials for octaves

o   2:1, 4:2, 6:3

·      Know the test intervals for those coincident partials

o   M10/M17, M3/M10, m3/M6

·      Tune clean octaves and test them

Resources

VERTICAL ACTION SERVICE CHECKLIST

1) Learn the names and functions of action parts

·      Key and keyframe

·      Hammer assembly

·      Wippen assembly

·      Damper assembly

·      Pedals and trapwork

Resources

2) Learn how to attach and detach the action and its parts

·      Safe procedure for removing and replacing a vertical action without damage

·      Action parts removal and replacement

Resources

3) Beginning regulation

·      Regulation points in a vertical action

·      Appropriate tools and methods for regulating

·      Rough parameters for each regulation point

Resources

4) Names and functions of basic action materials and where they are used

·      Woods

·      Plastics

·      Paper/cardboard

·      Wool

·      Glues

·      Metals

Resources

5) Basic Repairs and Maintenance

Maintenance

1. 1. Tuning
   2. Tighten Screws and Align Parts
   3. Regulation
   4. Lubrication
   5. Reconditioning (e.g. Brush Felts, File Hammers)
   6. Preparation (e.g. Travel

Common Repair Needs

1. 1. Mend or Replace Broken Hammer Shank
   2. Replace Broken String

Resources