4 June 2016
4 June 2016
Wichita Chapter PTG officers
President Joe Wisner
Vice President Ann Fell
Secretary David Norman
Treasurer Marty Hess
Newsletter Editor Roy Howard
June 9th meeting Thursday at 7pm, Winfield, KS
For previous chapter newsletters see INDEX
The June 9th meeting will be held at Ann Fell's shop
The June meeting of the Wichita chapter will be hosted by Ann Fell at 9113 132nd Road, Winfield, KS.
Directions: Drive 7 miles south of the intersection of K15 and US 77 in Cowley County on highway 77. Turn left (east) at the corner, 132nd Road. It is a paved county road. Turn right into the first driveway, the corner lot at 132nd Road and US 77. The house is hidden by trees so you can't see it from the road. For those who have been to Ann's shop in the past, the lot is cattycorner from the homestead.
Technical will be a photo presentation of the Chickering drop action piano from 1942 with two action rails, the hammer part and the "under action".
Photo: The "under action" of the Chickering with the top part removed.
•The Chapter Bylaws are now online.
Video: Repairing Broken Piano Keys
Video: Highlights of Marty Hess's tool kit that he takes into a service call.
Video: Joe Wisner shares Tool Case Tips.
Video: Highlights of a discussion about tool ideas to tie the hitch pin loop.
Video: Tool ideas to reset the hammer return spring.
Video: Adjusting key up-weight and down-weight.
Video: A simple tension rod serves to measure the length for a missing pedal lyre support rod.
Video: A simple dowel attached with elastic holds the drop stickers in place for action removal.
Please submit articles and tips for the newsletter and the meetings.
Ray Clause demonstrates the use of the Schaff "Stair Roller".
The kids in Uganda have moved, and are now up to 170 residents with 15 instruments. Please tell your friends to help with a donation. Happy Angels Youth Brass Band learn to repair so that individuals can become luthiers.
Conference 2016 in Ecuador is scheduled for four weeks in September, covering topics for techs and musicians of strings, woodwinds, brass, and pianos. Links to earthquake photos.
Be prepared for surprises. Don't miss the June technical about a unique drop action design.
More ideas
Hanging Hammers with Titebond Molding & Trim Wood Glue (Quick n Thick)
FT-M8 Moulding Glue
As with many piano repair procedures, there can be varying approaches to achieve the same end. This is especially true of hammer hanging and the types of adhesives that are typically used. The list would include hot hide glue, liquid hide glue, Titebond Original Wood glue, Elmer's Carpenter glue, various PVA glues and probably many others.
Years ago, when we were setting up to offer hammer pre-hanging to the trade, the most difficult problem was that in order to make the service affordable to technicians, we had to solve the problem of combining accuracy with speed. We took a couple wrong turns but after experimenting with all the various glues available, we finally found the one that made all the difference: Titebond Molding & Trim Wood Glue.
After we perfected our technique, this glue literally shaved hours off the job. Titebond Molding & Trim Wood Glue is designed for crown molding, baseboards, window casings and any application requiring a no-run glue. It sets fast but also allows for realignment to the working pieces. This quality is what makes it perfect for hammer hanging. The glue is so thick that you can hold the container upside-down and it will not run out. Because of the no-run quality we can bore a larger than normal hole and very quickly hang the hammer, while forming a near-perfect glue collar (Yamaha style) and at the same time, align & "nurse"" the already hung hammers.
In addition, after set-up the glue can be easily heated for realignment if necessary. Heating does not affect the bonding strength.
As a side note, we have received reports that Titebond Molding & Trim Glue is excellent for new damper felt. It does not penetrate the damper felt and sets up quickly.
PianoTech Supply Company #FT-M8 Titebond Molding & Trim Glue is available in an 8 oz. bottle, soon be known as Titebond "Quick & Thick" Glue.
PTG National
The chapter will probably have no member attending the National PTG Convention in Norfolk, Virginia and the chapter will have no delegate as of now. Please let the chapter officers know if you are attending.
On the morning of Sunday, July 24, there is a special opportunity to tour the Colonial Williamsburg museum in the morning that includes a guided tour of the Changing Keys exhibit. The exhibit includes pianos, harpsichords and other keyboards manufactured from around 1770 to 1840. John Watson, Conservator of Early Keyboard Instruments, will be our tour guide. The cost would include entrance to the museum, a guided tour and round trip transportation from the Norfolk Waterside Marriot. Space is limited. If you are interested in joining us, please contact me, Douglas Laing by May 20 at douglas@magnumopuspianoworks.com> or 727-539-9602.
More Reasons to Attend the 2016 PTG Convention!
Keynote Speaker Barry Moltz
Attend Barry's "Getting Your Small Business Unstuck" presentation on Thursday, July 21 at 8 a.m during our General Session. Business growth requires different actions as the market changes. Barry identifies six ways that businesses get stuck, causing their growth to slow, and how your business can start to flourish again. On that same day, he will also offer three additional classes: "You Need to Be a Little Crazy: The Truth About Starting and Growing Your Own Business," "How to Outsource to Build Your Business" and "Escape the Double Helix: Trap and Boost Your Sales." Learn more about this nationally recognized author, entrepreneur and speaker at barrymoltz.com.
Special Registration for Business Managers
If your business manager would like to attend Barry Moltz's classes as well as all the other Institute business classes, take advantage of a new registration option this year. You can participate in the classes that effect the job of a business manager for only $59 (with a full registration.) Please call 913-432-9975 or visit convention.ptg.org for registration information.
July 20 - 23, 2016
PTG Convention and Technical Institute Norfolk Waterside Marriott, Norfolk, Virginia Whether you are looking for a great way to upgrade your skills, earn more or pursue RPT certification, we've planned a terrific experience for you in Norfolk, Virginia. Here's a taste of what you'll find when you join us July 20 - 23, 2016 at the beautiful Norfolk Waterside Marriott for the next PTG Convention and Technical Institute. Visit convention.ptg.org for complete information. Classes for all skill levels. Each class is labeled B for Basic, I for Intermediate, A for Advanced or E for Everyone. Choose the class that fits your skills and interests. Competency Playground.Thirteen workstations provide video instruction that help you understand and practice specific skills in an environment that promotes success. Activities are presented in a step by step manner that allows you to practice and emulate. All tools and materials provided. The Playground is available all day Wednesday. Stay five minutes or all day. Included in your registration fee! Information sessions are scheduled for each of the RPT exams: written, tuning and technical. Or, dig deeper and focus specifically on tuning, repair and regulation skills. Learn how to give yourself a mock Tuning Exam from Mitch and Mary Kiel. Let Bill Bremmer give you a head start on passing Part 1 of the Tuning Exam or find out how to tune smooth octaves from Randy Potter. There are just a few spots left. These 90-minute sessions will benefit you no matter your skill level. Register for the convention and Tuning Tutoring, then call 913-432-9975 to schedule a time for your session. Take the RPT Exams. While in Norfolk, you can take any or all of the RPT exams. The written exam is free. $180 each for the Technical and Tuning Exams. Visit my.ptg.org/2016convention/exams to download an exam form. See you in Norfolk!Call for 2017 St. Louis Class Proposals
As we look forward to gathering together in Norfolk, planning for our 2017 Annual Convention & Technical Institute has already begun. Please submit your class proposals by August 15, 2016. Contact 2017 Institute Director Lisa Weller at pianocat88@aol.com for more information.<[> The dates for next year's convention are July 12 - 15, 2017 at St. Louis Union Station Hotel in St. Louis, MO. Plan to join us as we celebrate PTG's 60th anniversary and host the 2017 IAPBT conference. Mark your calendars! MRCO
Please mark your calendars for September 8-10, 2016 for the second MRCO (Midwest regional conference organization) seminar in Indianapolis.
Our directors, Milton Horne, RPT and Vince Myrkalo, RPT have put up an amazing line up of classes and top notch instructors. Additionally, there will be a full exhibit hall.
To view all the classes and events, and to register, please visit midwestptg.org.
Our SILENT AUCTION during our last seminar in Davenport was a success. We plan to continue that in Indianapolis. We have many items donated by Schaff, Brooks Ltd., Cory Products, and Pianotek. Please help us add to these items by bringing your own items to donate. These items can be new or used tools and products.
We have set up a Room Sharing Group on my.ptg.org for the Midwest Regional Conference to help you find a roommate. The Whyndam Hotel in Indianapolis is a first class hotel with room rates of $114 + taxes.
Hope to see you in Indianapolis.
Malinda Powell, RPT, CWRVP
Check your July 2016 issue of the Journal for a credit card size USB drive containing a copy of this year's Membership Directory and Guide to Resources in Piano Technology. Paper copies were also mailed to each member.
Piano Jobs
Check out the online Classifieds at www.ptg.org for a complete list of all opportunities. Have a job you want to list? Contact Shawn Bruce at shawn@ptg.org or 913-432-9975.
Click here to go directly to the new Piano Jobs community.
Online Classifieds at www.ptg.org
Piano Technicians Journal Media on YouTube
For PTG member resources go to www.my.ptg.org
The Journal Chapter Technicals. Please share the interesting and meaningful technical programs you have conducted that can be reproduced by other chapters.
Send your articles and pictures to:
John Parham
john440@me.com
828-244-2487
Square Grand. Owner in Plevna, KS is asking $5000. It is tuneable but needs 20 custom keys made to finish the restoration. (Stephen Francis)
Kimball (1912) 5'8" for sale $3,000. All funds support Conferences in Ecuador
Also 5'6" Kimball $1,500. 5' Estey $1200. Spinets, consoles, uprights $500 (Roy Howard)
Are You a Professional?
http://www.tipsforsuccess.org/professionalism.htm
Positive Attitude and Cooperation A person's attitude represents how they feel or their state of mind about something. For example, one can have a good (or positive) attitude toward their work, usually meaning that they feel good about their work, their job, their organization, etc. Many features of working in an organization can cause a person to have a poor attitude about their jobs and organizations (that is, they feel bad about their jobs and organizations), eg, inadequate compensation, conflicts with their supervisor, inconsistent or conflicting communications from senior management, unfulfilling work, hostile communications between employees, etc. Some people adopt a poor attitude because that is their way "of being in the world," ie, they often resent their environment no matter what is going on around them. Some people feel poorly about themselves, which affects their attitude about their environment, as well. In contrast, some people work hard to keep a positive attitude. These people often have better overall health and can effectively address major challenges in the workplace, as well. www.mapnp.org/library/prsn_wll/attitude.htm
Subscribe to the PTG YouTube Channel
PTGHomeOffice uploaded a new video 6 June 2016. This video shows how to remove a Steinway music desk guide rail without breaking it. It supplements the June 2016 article in the Piano Technician's Journal titled Music Desk Glide Rail Removal.
On June 6, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published a final rule.