The ProPTN Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Sandra Dębska: founder and developer of the Piano Guard climate control system and owner of the Piano Renovation rebuilding shop in Poland. We discuss everything from earning the trust of workshop technicians; the rigorous testing involved in developing Piano Guard; running businesses while parenting; dealing with difficult clients; and keeping track of the shop's numerous rebuilding projects.-The full Piano Guard system for sale on The Collection-The "Humidity Observer" partial Piano Guard system for sale on The CollectionIf you don't already, be sure to follow ProPTN on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠... or visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more and subscribe to the newsletter!

In this episode, we sit down with Sam Bennett of Piano Works -- a dealership, recital hall, and rebuilding shop based out of Duluth, Georgia -- to discuss selecting the right brands to carry in your store; sales strategies; familiarizing yourself with your tools; building relationships within the industry; and tips for replacing pinblocks.Here are the resources discussed throughout the episode:-The Piano Works website, Youtube channel, and Facebook page-Hidrau benches for sale-"What if Rach had a Bösendorfer Imperial?" Youtube videoIf you don't already, be sure to follow ProPTN on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠... or visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more!

In this episode, we sit down with Arian Sheets, the curator for stringed instruments at the National Music Museum, to talk about how instruments and music have changed through the years; invasive restoration vs. conservation; handling historic instruments in client homes; and how the museum's research is helping to preserve fascinating instrument designs for the years to come.Here are the resources discussed throughout the episode:-The history and sound of the choralcelo (sound clip #1 and #2), which is an example of a very early electronic keyboard instrument.-Additional examples of various reinventions using modern drivers but with the same principles as the choralcelo or historical "sostenuto pianos", which involved using the strings own vibrations in a recursive fashion (example #1, #2, #3, and #4).-The digital library of all the keyboards in the National Music Museum's keyboard collection.-The Pennsylvania-based EMEAPP Electronic Music Education and Preservation Project, which maintains and houses one of the best historical electronic instrument collections while also providing educational opportunities for piano technicians and other interested inquirers. -The "Frederick Piano Collection" Youtube channelCORRECTION: Arian misspoke when mentioning the early New York manufacturer who developed and sold upright actions to other manufacturers starting in the 1860s: she said the name Straube, but meant Strauch, whose labels can sometimes be found on the actions of 19th century upright pianos. Strauch Bros. published The Manufacture of Pianoforte Action, Its Rise and Development in 1904, which can be read at this link. On page 58, they discuss the founding of the company in 1867 as a specialty action manufacturer with particular mention of a soon-impending shift to upright and grand pianos, as opposed to squares, in the American market, which Strauch aimed to supply. If you don't already, be sure to follow ProPTN on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠... or visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more!

In this episode, we sit down with Josi Davis from Brooks LTD to talk about the services the company offers; the sound profiles of different hammers; how to efficiently communicate with clients and understand the scope of larger projects; and negotiating your worth as an aspiring "leader of the band."To subscribe to their newsletter or email your enrollment for the All Day Upright Hammer Hanging workshop, visit the Brooks LTD website. You can also stay up to date on their latest news, products, and articles by following them on Instagram.If you don't already, be sure to follow ProPTN on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠... or visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more!

In this action-packed episode, we sit down with Jude Reveley of Absolute Piano Restoration to talk about his favorite rebuilding recipes; bridge and soundboard design; his journey of experimentation and discovery in the industry; and why it's important to leave your ego at the door when you're learning how to rebuild a piano.If you don't already, be sure to follow ProPTN on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠... or visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more!

In this episode, we sit down with Allan Sutton of Piano Technique Montréal to talk about the wide-ranging uses for AI in your tech business; considering how your legacy and emotional maturity impacts your community; and why you should make your clients, apprentices, and colleagues the heroes of their own stories.-Allan's appearance on the Sabrina Romanov podcast to talk about diverse AI applied outside of traditional industries-Piano Technique Montréal website-Tools and manual for polyester finish repair from Allied PianoIf you don't already, be sure to follow ProPTN on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠... or visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more!

In this special bonus episode (which was recorded live at the second annual PIPPA convention in Las Vegas!), we sit down with Bart Elbers, founder and owner of the Kioshi Silent Systems, to talk about their development, installation, and features. We also talk about salesmanship for the soul, wholesaling pianos in Europe, and how piano manufacturers need to adapt to the technological needs of the future.To purchase one of the Kioshi systems or check out the installation course on ProPTN, click here.If you don't already, be sure to follow ProPTN on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠... or visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more!

In this episode (which was recorded at the second annual PIPPA convention in Las Vegas!), we sit down with Leng Tshua, Pearl River's Director for Global Sales and Marketing, to talk about Asian piano culture; the necessities of marketing; and how the company has improved and struggled over the last few decades.To learn more about their instruments, you can visit the websites for Pearl River, Kayserburg, or Ritmüller –– or you can read some of their piano reviews on Piano Buyer.If you don't already, be sure to follow ProPTN on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠... or visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more!

In this episode, we sit down with innovator, lecturer, consultant, and engineer François Jerome-Vincent to talk about all the ways that he is revolutionizing piano design across the industry.Here are the links to check out François's website, follow him on Instagram, or read his articles on ProPTN:-"The Basics of Grand Piano Action Design"-"Hammer Traveling, Squaring, and Alignment"-"Measuring for Parts Replacement"If you don't already, be sure to follow ProPTN on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠... or visit our ⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ to learn more!

In this episode, we sit down with international advocate and translator Tzung-Shin Wu to discuss the nuance of the Taiwanese piano tech scene, its unique challenges and cultural differences. To connect with Shin online, click here to visit his website.Angels with Broken Wings: YouTubePaul Barton: YouTubeIf you don't already, be sure to follow ProPTN on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠... or visit our ⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ to learn more!

In this episode, we sit down with Colin Taylor to discuss everything from technical tips and tricks, to sourcing the ideal manufacturer for an affordable Bösendorfer, to the creation of a trade show devoted to the entirety of the piano industry.To register for the PIPPA trade show or check out the class schedule, click here!If you don't already, be sure to follow ProPTN on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠... or visit our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠ to learn more!

In this episode, we sit down with Jahn CEO Andreas Harke to discuss everything from his favorite new tools on the product line to the evolution of the industry spanning WWII and the current state of Chinese production.We're also very excited to hear that Jahn will have a booth and seminar at PIPPA 2025 in January featuring Joachim the "Swiss Army Man!"Click here for info and registration on the European Congress Akustika event April 4th-6th in Nuremberg.Otherwise, here's where you can register for the PTDAE class at Jahn's workshop -- or you can buy yourself one of the Swiss screwdriver sets.If you don't already, be sure to follow ProPTN on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠Facebook⁠... or visit our ⁠website⁠ to learn more!

In this episode, we are joined by Deborah McCann, a Canadian piano technician who debuted the custom-made Ergo tuning hammer!If you'd like to learn more about the Ergo Tuning Hammer, you can visit The Collection at ProPTN.org or subscribe to our newsletter for updates on their production.If you don't already, be sure to follow ProPTN on Instagram and Facebook... or visit our website to learn more.

In this episode, we sit down with Floridian technician Anne Garee, who pioneered the Master of Arts in Piano Technology program at Florida State University.If you'd like to get in touch with Anne about one-on-one mentoring, you can email her at agaree@fsu.edu... or you can get a sneak peek into her evaluation process by reading her article on ProPTN.org!If you don't already, be sure to follow ProPTN on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠... or visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more!

In this episode, we sit down with Fanny Steingraeber, co-CEO of Steingraeber Pianos!• The Respectful Keyboards: Photos, Documents, and a Video of its Installation• Alternatively-Sized Keyboards: A University Perspective• Augmented Instruments: The Steingraeber Transducer in ActionBe sure to follow ⁠⁠ProPTN⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ to keep up with the latest in piano tech tools, news, and updates!

In this episode, we sit down with Larry Fine, the co-author of Practical Piano Valuation and the founder of Piano Buyer. Check out Larry's article on working alongside the pioneer of the modern synthesizer: "In the Shop with Bob Moog: A Personal Account." Be sure to follow ⁠ProPTN⁠ on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ to keep up with the latest in piano tech tools, news, and updates!

In this episode, we sit down with Martin Stokes, a UK-based concert and field technician who is one of the co-founders of Pianosmiths tools.You can follow Pianosmiths on Instagram and Facebook to stay up-to-date on their latest tools and products!And be sure to follow ProPTN on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠Facebook⁠!

In this episode, we sit down with Greg Cheng, one of the co-founders of ProPTN and chief technician and general manager of Allied Piano and Finish in Philadelphia.Be sure to follow ProPTN on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠Facebook⁠ to keep up with the latest in piano tech tools, news, and updates!

In this episode, we sit down with Hannah Beckett, one of the co-founders of ProPTN and current owner of Piano Buyer.If you haven't already, download the PianoBuyer app! It was designed for piano technicians and provides critical manufacturing information at your fingertips, including serial numbers, pricing, and brand information. You can also advertise your technician services to potential clients within your area by joining the Piano Buyer Technician Database. As the #1 consumer guide to piano buying - there’s no better place to advertise to new piano owners! Get more information at www.pianobuyer.com/advertise and use code “PODCAST” for 50% off your first year of advertising!You can also follow Piano Buyer on Instagram to keep up with the latest articles, reviews, and products.And be sure to follow ProPTN on Instagram and Facebook, too!