Piano Restoration in Remote Locales w/ Johnathan Cleghorn

In Episode 76 of Piano Tech Radio Hour, we engage in a dynamic group discussion featuring some fine technicians in the PTRH community, including Jonathan Cleghorn as our featured guest. Additionally, hear insightful contributions from other astute technicians like Jon Ross, Phil Bondi, Robert Wilson, Nancy Salmon, and Diane Hofstetter. Join us as we explore the unique challenges and rewards of piano restoration in remote and diverse environments, with a special focus on the Peruvian Andes. 

The conversation kicks off with Jonathan Cleghorn sharing his experiences of restoring an antique Chickering piano in the isolated village of Urubamba, Peru. His insights set the stage for a broader discussion on the logistical and environmental challenges that piano technicians face when working in remote locations with limited resources. 

Each technician contributes their own unique perspective, reflecting on how different climates and cultural contexts impact the maintenance and restoration of pianos. From Jon Ross’s observations on tuning stability in varying humidity levels to Phil Bondi’s experiences with rare instruments in challenging environments, the group covers a wide range of topics that resonate with both seasoned professionals and those new to the craft.

Nancy Salmon and Diane Hofstetter bring their expertise to the conversation by discussing the creative solutions and innovative techniques they’ve developed in their own work, highlighting the importance of adaptability and resourcefulness in the field. Robert Wilson adds his voice to the mix, emphasizing the deep connections formed through music and the shared challenges faced by technicians around the world.

The episode also features personal anecdotes from each technician, including memorable encounters with local instruments and the vibrant musical ecosystems found in places like Lima, Peru. These stories underscore the universal language of music and the deep satisfaction that comes from preserving and enhancing the sound of pianos across diverse settings.

As the discussion unfolds, the group reflects on the broader implications of their experiences, emphasizing the importance of resilience, passion, and creativity in the field of piano technology. The episode concludes with a collective reflection on the lessons learned from their adventures, offering valuable insights for both seasoned professionals and those new to the craft.

About Jonathan Cleghorn:

Jonathan Cleghorn is an experienced piano technician with a passion for restoring antique instruments. Known for his adventurous spirit, Jonathan recently undertook the ambitious project of reviving a Chickering piano in the remote village of Urubamba, Peru. His work exemplifies the dedication and creativity required to bring pianos back to life in challenging environments.

Special thanks to Jon Ross, Phil Bondi, Robert Wilson, Nancy Salmon, and Diane Hofstetter for their contributions to the conversation. 

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗ 
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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: .css-j9qmi7{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:1rem;margin-top:2.8rem;width:100%;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:start;justify-content:start;padding-left:5rem;}@media only screen and (max-width: 599px){.css-j9qmi7{padding-left:0;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;}}.css-j9qmi7 svg{fill:#27292D;}.css-j9qmi7 .eagfbvw0{-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;color:#27292D;}