Los Angeles Chapter
Last month, we gathered at Pierre's Fine Pianos for a very edificating
presentation by Randy Morton, the proprietor of Pacific Piano Supply. Randy
showed how extensively he has developed the availability of replacement parts
for many vintage pianos. Don't turn down a repair or restoration job until you
have consulted Randy regarding the availability of parts for that old upright or
grand piano. I did not know for example that parts are available for those
ancient Chickering grand pianos. Then to everyone's delight Randy showed a video
of a Japanese TV show that featured Imadagawa piano hammers and Pacific Piano
Supply. You must see this video as it shows how the hammers are made. It is
especially revelatory that the felt is trimmed by hand before it ever gets glued
to the molding.
We thank Randy for his enlightening presentation and
Pierre for loaning us the use of his space for the evening and Raul for keeping
the lights on.
This month will be a special event for those wondering
about the PTG technical exam process: David Vanderlip and Kathy Smith, two of
SoCal's three TEC's (certified technical examiners) will be present to discuss
the PTG Technical exam, in general, and give a program on the Grand Regulation
and Vertical Regulation portions. They will bring models from SCAEB (Southern
California Area Exam Board) so you will see the actual models used in local
exams. They will discuss and demonstrate good regulation techniques and
parameters. If you can understand and achieve normal regulation standards, plus
meet the time limits involved, you will have no trouble with the regulation
portions of the tech exam. (Repairs, the third Tech exam section, consists of
several common repairs, and can be covered at a separate meeting.) Even if you
aren't practicing for the PTG exams, it never hurts to review good regulation
practices.