Ryan Center for the Musical Arts
Northwestern University
70 Arts Circle Dr
Evanston, IL 60208
The piano is classified as a percussion instrument because its sound is produced when struck. But what truly shapes its voice? The soundboard, the drum, and the hammers, the striking force. This seminar explores both elements in depth with industry experts Ken Eschete, RPT and Dale Erwin, RPT.
Every piano technician, whether a rebuilder or not, must be well-versed in soundboards. This session will define key concepts such as radius-crowning, compression-crowning, down-bearing, equilibrium moisture content, and impedance to enhance understanding.
For rebuilders, Ken will unveil an Excel-based calculator aiding in conversions from flat-sawn ribs to radius-sawn ribs, designed by the distinguished Dr. Daniel R. Moore. This tool allows rebuilders to accurately replicate original rib mass and stiffness. Dr. Moore plans to join our session via Zoom to explain the formulae and underlying assumptions he made in creating the spreadsheets. “It is all Basic Civil Engineering 101, ' The theory of beams' as used in bridges and buildings,” says Dr. Moore.
Dale, having worked closely with hammer makers, will discuss hammer selection, covering aspects such as hammer pressing and weight. Attendees will witness slow-motion video footage showcasing various hammers in action—courtesy of Scott Murphy at Juilliard.
Changing hammers affects touch-weight, and Ken and Dale will demonstrate practical methods for balancing the action—including an exploration of points of inertia (Newton’s Second Law applied to mass traveling in a circle).
For a hands-on experience, multiple hammer samples will be swapped on a piano for a voicing demonstration, featuring Ken’s B-72 voicing protocol in action.
This fast-paced demo will showcase unique tools, jigs, and innovative methods. Best of all—attendees will have a chance to randomly select items from the grab bag, including free prizes!
Don’t miss this in-depth exploration with two of the industry’s top experts.
Hosted by the North Shore & Chicago Illinois Chapters of the PTG