SAN DIEGO CHAPTER
June Meeting: (2nd Monday)
Date: Monday, June 11, 2018
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Convoy Piano
7240 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego, CA 92111
We had a wonderful meeting at Paul Robinson's shop in Miramar. He showed his method of rebushing keys using a commercial steamer and a spray tip made from an old agraffe. The steam shoots out of the agraffe (perfect size for key bushing mortices) and softens the glue. No matter what kind of glue is used, this method will allow you to remove them. Then Paul and his assistant Chrissy showed how to gauge which thickness cloth to use and demonstrated their use of the Bushmaster system and heated brass cauls. They answered all kinds of questions regarding replacing all felts, including back rail cloth, all the punchings, all the way down to the keyframe. Paul explained how he often has to raise the balance rail on old uprights in order to get the required key height necessary for proper action regulation. He also showed us his shop, which he had to downsize a lot from his old location. All questions were answered, and we all went home much enlightened about the rebuilding process. We had a new visitor, Evan, who is interested in piano technology. He's still in high school, so he doesn't have to worry how to support himself while he learns the trade. Turnout was otherwise light.
This month we will meet at Mihees' Convoy Piano. At least one item on the agenda will be the subject of the council meeting at the national convention, with many suggestions for bylaws changes and other items. As y'all know, council no longer has its hands on the wheel of direct management. It is all done now by the PTG Board. Council makes recommendations, and the nuts and bolts are left for them. That leaves the council to come up with fresh ideas and not be bogged down with details that frankly nobody wants to hash out in long drawn-out boring meetings. We are treading on new ground here, and there are some things that need to be addressed, but the atmosphere is very positive and upbeat. Don't ask about times past!
I'll let everybody know the topic for the next meeting, but it will probably be a continuation of the May meeting, covering more aspects of rebuilding. If anyone wants to give the presentation, it will give me a chance to step aside. There are always new people coming, so it's quite enlivening to meet them and tell them about what a piano tuner's life is like. It kinda makes you feel proud and glad that you got into this. We're happy, right? Ok, whatever . . .
So, I hope to see you all in June. Feel free to call or email me with any suggestions.
Best,
Paul McCloud