Blog
Hard at work getting this Hohner Clavinet back in shape
Although working on these beasts is not the most fun, the result is always worth itThis one is in very good shape (for its age) and fortunately does not need to be “re-yarned”. The final testing before I button it back up and out the door.
Read morePlay me, I’m yours in Peabody
The town of Peabody has their annual outdoor pianos scattered around town. I spent the day getting them in playable condition. It is not easy tuning a piano on Main St. It is a truck route! Very noisy. But it is a great idea and encourages people to make music. Feel free to play them …
Read moreNow thats one small piano . . .
These pianos were made to be used on a train in the 30’s and 40’s.They don’t play or sound very good and are an exercise in patience. Muting the strings is very difficult. I dropped my mutes at least 10 times into the piano.
Read morethats one burnt finish . . .
The finish of this piano is incredibly “alligatored”. I was very surprised at how well it tuned up considering how dry it must have been over the years to make the finish shrivel up like this. I guess they don’t make them like they used to.
Read moreKinda cool . . .
I tuned a piano well over 100 years old and it had these stickers that told when it was tuned. First date is from 1917. I really enjoy that fact that I am doing the same job people have done for hundreds of years. In fact tuning the same piano someone tuned over 100 years …
Read moreMy business card looks like an antique
I noticed my card in a piano I haven’t tuned in years. It looks like it is from 1900. Times sure does fly.
Read moreFunny story . . .
I got an email from a piano player who was playing at the top of the hub. He didn’t call because he had dropped his phone behind the fallboard (key cover) and could not get it out. He was due to play shortly so I popped over, pulled the action out and got his phone.
Read moreOne of the coolest things I’ve had in my shop in a while . . .
I very much enjoyed restoring this 1962 Hohner Pianet model N. I gave it “the works”. I am a huge Beatles and Zombies fan and could not resist learning the songs that used this instrument. This thing plays and sounds like a dream. I didn’t want to get up.
Read moreHard at work on this old Wurli
I love old wurlitzer electric pianos. This one is a 1958 model 120. Tube amp. Very difficult to tune these because the reed bolts are hidden under the wooden dampers. Still a very cool instrument and the amp is now running strong.
Read moreRebuilding a Steinway grand action
Brooksby Village in Peabody hired me to rebuild their 1928 Steinway ‘M’ grand piano’s action. A lot of work but it turned out to be one of the best rebuilds I have ever done. In addition to new hammers, shanks, and flanges, they decided to replace the whippens as well. It regulated up beautifully and …
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