Tech Exam Prep Class (tools required - see below)

This class offers a rare opportunity for experienced and aspiring technicians to be tutored in a hands-on setting. The subjects covered will be in two sections over four periods.

You will have two class periods to practice and learn efficient methods for doing string replacement, hitch pin loops and string splicing followed by two class periods that cover hammer shank replacement; hammer filing; flange re-bushing and repining; key re-bushing

These repair tasks are all common ones routinely performed by the average technician. Those Associate members planning to take the PTG exams have a perfect opportunity to have their skills evaluated by experienced technicians in a friendly environment.

Attendance is open to all but limited to no more than 15. Pre-register in order to reserve your seat."

Description on the actual class schedule:

Technical Repair Skills  Section 1 (two class periods)
String Repairs - (Hands-On, Must Bring Personal Tools)

Technical Repair Skills Section 2 (two class periods)
Shank Replacement, Hammer filing, Flange re-bushing & re-pinning, Key Re-bushing
(Hands-On, Must Bring Personal Tools)

Tool List (please bring the following items for the class)

Key Rebushing
Assorted thickness of high-quality key bushing cloth
Yellow wood glue
.146 Double-sided key bushing cauls
Sharp knife or Razor Blades
Key easing pliers

Flange Rebushing
Centerpin remover/installer
Micrometer
#37 drill in pin vise
Yellow wood glue
High quality flange bushing cloth (Renner Brand)
Sharp razor blades
Knurled centerpins or other reamers
Smooth tapered bushing burnisher
Centerpin selection
Flush-cut centerpin cutters

String Replacement, Splicing And Hitch Pin Loop
Tuning hammer
5"WR Vise Grip Pliers
Wire cutters
Coil lifter
String spacer
String hook
Brass drift
Small hammer
Pliers (for squeezing becket)
Long Nose Pliers
Small screwdriver
Dummy tuning pin
Tuning pin crank
6" Rule w/ slide (To measure tuning pin height)
Eye protection

Vertical Hammershank Replacement
Hammer shank extractor and shank clamp
7/32 drill
Shank cutters
#39 drill in a pin vise
Water/wallpaper remover solution in small-tipped applicator bottle
#6 x 1 1/2" drywall screw
Butane lighter
Heat Gun
Yellow Glue
Flange screwdriver
6" rule (line up catchers and hammer heads)
Upright Hammer Shanks

Hammer Filing
3/4" wide sandpaper paddles with fresh sandpaper 60, 80, 120, 220 grit
120 & 220 tape strip

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Bio: Bruce Stevens, RPT

Bruce Stevens began his illustrious career in 1978 under the guidance of Ben Hershberger while working at Morey's Music Store, Long Beach, California. He would later work as a staff piano technician for the Los Angeles Unified School District until 1998 when he resigned to manage a full and complete piano service business. This business also includes the operation of a comprehensive piano restoration facility. In addition to his activities as a piano technician, Bruce has given many hours of time in service to the Piano Technicians Guild. He has served his fellow members at the Chapter and State level and has been an instructor at National and State Conventions. Bruce is currently the President of the Board of the California State Conference.

Bio: Jeff Stevens, RPT

Jeff is one of the latest graduates from the University of Western Ontario piano tuning and repair course. A month after graduating last April, he passed the PTG examinations and became an RPT. Jeff seems to be on the fast track to success as a second-generation piano technician with the opportunity to work with his Dad in the shop as well as keeping a full tuning schedule.