The ProPTN Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Anna Petrof, the sixth generation family member to take charge of the 162-year-old Ant. PETROF piano brand to discuss how the Czech company survived World Wars and state ownership; its reclamation by the Petrof family in 2001; how they have restructured the company to better serve its Czech community; the importance of diversifying its services as a manufacturer; how the instruments have improved over the last two decades; and the difficult choices behind running a company with such a long family history.-The PETROF website, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and podcast series-Find a PETROF dealer near you-Markéta Irglová and Glen Hansard performing "Falling Slowly" live for the PETROF Acoustic Sessions-Piano Buyer's article and photo exploration of the PETROF factory, anechoic chamber, Gemini pianos, and family history-The Piano Buyer brand profile of Ant. PETROFIf you don't already, be sure to follow ProPTN on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠... or visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more!

In this episode, we take a seat inside the August Föerster piano factory in Lobau, Germany to talk with Gabriel Wandt (Director of Marketing and Communications), and master piano builder Annemarie Kampf to discuss the challenges of redesigning their new 275 concert grand using 2D modeling; their knack for creating innovative and adorable piano designs; their narrower Stretto keysets for smaller hands; and the strenuous process of becoming certified as a master piano builder in Germany.-Stretto keysets-The Model 275 Sovereign Concert Grand-August Förster Instagram, Facebook, and website-Photos of the factory and the company's experimentsIf 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 former Hamburg Steinway technician and soundboard extraordinaire Oliver Greinus. Oliver is one of the co-founders of Klangmanufaktur, a workshop that specializes in rebuilding Steinways as well as providing rehearsal space and practice rooms for Hamburg's musical community. Following our tour of the workshop, Oliver sat down with me to talk about their reasoning for leaving Steinway in order to create their own uniquely rebuilt instruments; why old soundboards should never be replaced; doing away with polyester in favor of natural oil finishes; replacing lead weights with CKM brass; their rental program for connecting musicians and institutions with quality pianos; and the curriculum for their singular week-long training seminar.-Klangmanufaktur website and Instagram page-Registration for the June 22-28 training seminar, as well as the course information sheet. For questions or assistance, you can send an email to [email protected] 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 Ravenscroft mastermind, Renner Academy instructor, manufacturing guru, and piano design innovator Michael Spreeman to talk about the process of designing a piano from scratch; conducting experiments in sound; creating a luxury-piano brand; and the details of piano construction which average technicians will constantly overlook.-Ravenscroft Pianos-The Ravenscroft Pianos Concert Hall-⁠Nick Gravange legacy page and obituary⁠ (where you may also pay to plant a tree or send flowers in his honor)-"Setting Up Shop: Commercial Edition" article featuring Michael Spreeman-Ravenscroft 275 Virtual Instrument-Ravenscroft 220 Virtual InstrumentIf 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 piano technician and rebuilder Tim Balke, who is one of the co-founding masterminds behind FB Flexure: a Utah-based company that has just revealed a potentially game-changing new action part design which could revolutionize manufacturing in the years to come. In addition to discussing the invention, we talk about the evolution of the piano; innovations that succeeded and failed throughout history; compliant mechanisms; the engineering and chemistry behind material science; and what piano manufacturers will need to do in order to carry on.-"Manufacturing Innovation: A Historical Overview" article-“Manufacturing Refinement: A Historical Overview” — Part 2 in Tim’s article series-“Why Machines That Bend Are Better” video on compliant mechanisms 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 Piano Buyer CEO Hannah Beckett to share a "State of the Union" address about the current predicaments of the industry; the obstacles keeping clients from upgrading to better pianos; how to confidently guide clients through the upgrading process; and how we can all come together to protect the industry in an uncertain future.-Piano Buyer App on the App Store-Piano Buyer App on the Google Store-"The Value of Condemning Pianos" article-"The Art of Condemning Pianos" article-Free "Model and Price Supplement" PDF and printed book for sale-Write to us for our Letters to the Editor segment!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 ProPTN contributor, rebuilder, technician, and dealership owner Morgan Cowell of Great Plains Piano to discuss his biggest failures in rebuilding; the duty of the technician to facilitate client upgrades; handling bad pianos in isolated areas; building trust with clients; and how pianos are only as good as the technicians who maintain them.-“Setting Up Shop: Commercial Edition” article-Original ProPTN tools for sale-Letters to the Editor submission pageIf 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 keyboard conservator and bellywork specialist Ken Eschete of Bentside Arts to discuss his uniquely pioneered method of applying Acryloid B-72 to pinblocks and hammer felts; his online courses for bridge capping, soundboard replacement, pinblocks, and conservation; and his experiences learning from concert artists as well as factory training.-Ken's how-to article on voicing with B-72-Scientific article with photos of the B-72 consolidation ("Consolidant Distribution in Deteriorated Wood Treated with Soluble Resins by Schniewind & Eastman" )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 Chicago-based piano technician, YouTuber, and electric keyboard extraordinaire Emma Kleidon to discuss everything from DIY repair; the differences between piano and electric keyboard regulation; the history of these instruments; dos and don'ts of restorations; and how these instruments are functioning today.-EmmaRepair YouTube channel-EmmaRepairs Instagram page-"Custom Fender Rhodes Rebuild" video-"What Happened to the First Electric Keyboard?" video at the National Music MuseumIf 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 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 [email protected]... 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!