In this podcast episode, we explore the captivating world of piano restoration with a focus on Chris Brownβs recent project involving an 1889 Steinway D. This historic piano underwent significant transformations including new soundboards and modernized parts while retaining its legacy.
Chris delves into the technical aspects of regulation, discussing the challenges of integrating contemporary components with historical dimensions. He emphasizes the importance of meticulous measurements and adjustments to accommodate changes in height for optimal playability.
The conversation also touches upon balancing a customerβs available investment against preserving original aspects of the instrument. Chris shares how even a prestigious brand like Steinway has evolved over time to meet public and artist demands. Chris shares his preference for using copper weights instead of traditional lead for key weighting. Health effects of handling lead can be significant and irreversible, so copper offers a blend of modern sensibilities with classic care.
Furthermore, Chris recounts his experiences as a university technician dealing with neglected pianos and highlights the necessity for technicians to be versatile within budget constraints. He stresses understanding the complexities of a hammerβs behavior as it arcs toward the string and changes throughout a hammerβs usable life.
If you enjoy this session, make sure to check out the Chris Brown RPT YouTube channel and Grand Work Tools blog series to dive deeper.
About Chris Brown:
Chris Brown RPT started work as a piano technician in 1977. A graduate of North Bennet Street School, he has worn many hats in his career: college technician, concert tuner, rebuilder, private customer piano-care provider, teacher. And now, designer, engineer, and manufacturer.
In 2005, Chris officially specialized in grand regulation and rebuilding and started work on the tools and protocols that have become the Grandwork System.
Good regulations benefit customer, technician, dealer, and manufacturer. With the Grandwork System, Chris has reduced the experience needed to successfully regulate grand pianos. His goals are to help those entering the trade and those hiring them, enhancing work for both beginners and experienced technicians.
ππππ ππ π ππ ππππ πππππ πππππππββ
Subscribe to radio hour for just $16/mo and get direct access to each weeks private zoom call, as well as all the archival recordings of hundreds of episodes in our member area. Join using by visiting https://bit.ly/joinptrh
Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:
- How to tune pianos.
- How to repair pianos.
- How to rebuild pianos.
- How to service concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.
Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/
Linktree - https://linktr.ee/pianotechmasterclass
Instagram - https://instagram.com/pianotechmasterclass
FB - https://www.facebook.com/pianotechmasterclass
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/piano-technicians-masterclasses/
Substack: ht
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
Iβm Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and Iβm so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood youβre able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and lifeβs ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them weβve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I donβt take it for granted β click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I canβt wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you wonβt hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, youβve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
Ridiculous History
History is beautiful, brutal and, often, ridiculous. Join Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown as they dive into some of the weirdest stories from across the span of human civilization in Ridiculous History, a podcast by iHeartRadio.