I am about halfway through the new book just released by André Oorebeek.

This must be the most comprehensive book on the subject of voicing that I have read to date; André breaks down the process into sections that are easily understood by the beginner as well as the more experienced technician.

The book comes with a DVD companion that I just reviewed; running time of 45 minutes total, professionally done, with good clarity and sound. Of particular note, André breaks down the voicing procedures for all to see and hear, moreover, he demonstrates very clearly finding an “error” in the tonal qualities of the instrument, and then correcting the problem of uneven tones.

This is a very important aspect of teaching, the ability to communicate the process of any technical expertise in language that the majority will understand, even folks who are not technicians at all.

For the average layman or pianist, I would also encourage the purchase of this book/DVD. A study of this material will go long way to explaining why pianos sound like they do, what can be done for improvement, and further will help to explain the tonal qualities, how they are produced, or masked, by using the hammer.

I know that André has been booked for seminar classes in concert voicing at the National Convention of the Piano Technicians Guild in Grand Rapids that commences this July 15th 2009. For the technicians who are attending, obtaining a copy of this release prior to attending this class would be a very good way to prep yourself “going in”. Hope to see you at the classes there…………….

Thanks to Jurgen Goering of Pianofortesupply for compiling and producing this book. And thanks to André Oorebeek for taking the time to share his expertise in this way for the benefit of all.

Here is the web site link for the purchase of this book. I would encourage all who are interested in taking their voicing procedures to a higher level would benefit greatly from this release.

www.thevoiceofthepiano.com

Thanks, Dan. I just ordered mine and hope to get it soon. Judging by past posts on pianotech from Andre, this should be a great read and reference book.

Cheers Dave,

Yes it is a good read. Very informative for expanding your voicing horizons. One of the most important aspects of becoming a well rounded technician, is the complete understanding of how the hammer reacts to its own shape and the manipulation applied.

The DVD is a nice addition too.

Thanks Dan, although I have enough on my plate right now...I have put it on my want list...maybe santa will come early this year...

Thanks for the review, Dan.

Kudos to Jurgen Goering and (obviously) André Oorebeek.

No problem on the review Erus, glad to offer an opinion on this release.
As far as purchasing or planning to purchase Monster, I have no idea of the size of the print run, so best to contact Jurgen (supply) for availability.

Oh no.... don't anyone tell my wife... or I'll be in the wood shed...(if we had one)... again.

Dan,

Once again, I thank you for your work in bringing this great guy into my expanding horizon. I've seen enough of Andre's work to easily justify ponying up the $85 plus S&H in the coming weeks! This guy is poetry in motion!

Thanks for your part in giving this thing wings!

RPD

Ordered mine this morning... with wifes blessing, ain't she a sweetheart

She lives on Love Street.....good stuff Monster, you will eventually benefit from the purchase as you go forward....

Thanks Dan...there are some days I'm so stoked about learning all this, reminds me of the days of long ago when I was drag racing and learning as much as a sponge can soak up...:)

The voicing book has only been available for about two weeks and there has already been a tremendous amount of enthusiastic feedback.

There's a new "Events" page on the book website with upcoming voicing seminars André Oorebeek will be giving. You can also see pictures of him in action at a voicing class (click on the thumbnails for a larger view). As well, instructions on how you can get André to your town to voice a whole piano before your eyes.

piano hammer voicing seminar

Enjoy.

Got the book and DVD the other day...tks

Great picture of the back of my head Jurgen
Not so sure what that is on my shirt.

Rod,
That spot is what is called lens glare...usually from a spotlight or pot light above the subject...

OR, it (the blue spot) could be the aliens trying to figure out if the speed in which this guy works is even human, or otherwise!!!

RPD

And here I thought Andre gave me a shot of teflon when I was not looking, trying to make me as slick as him.

When you blow up the blue spot and use image enhancement, it says "Kick me!"

ROFLMAO....

For those technicians in the UK or Australia:

Hecksher in the UK will be carrying The Voice of the Piano (& DVD).

Bruce Browning will be distributing it in Australia.

These additions are about to be posted at the book website's "Purchase" page.

www.TheVoiceOfThePiano.com

Good work on the web site options Jurgen,

A couple of other things for you to answer……

After reading your latest posting here, I was wondering if this DVD is region free or do buyers have to obtain a DVD player for region 1 discs?

Also what about playing the disc on a computer or an NTSC video player?

The DVD is not keyed or locked for any particular region in the world. It is in NTSC (standard North American and Japanese format), which means it can be viewed on any NTSC player anywhere.

It can also be played on any computer, which is where most people will probably watch it, as it is of technical nature.

Good planning on the DVD Jurgen. I just watched it on the big screen and it looks great there too! Good clarity, nicely edited, sound is good……

This week was a great one for Andre's book. We sent a shipment of books out to a wholesaler in Japan. "The Voice of the Piano" book and DVD is now being distributed on four continents - North America, Europe, Japan and Australia. Technicians all over the world are discovering this valuable resource.

Does anybody know if this DVD will be available at a booth at the PTG event in GR this summer?

RPD

I use the contents of the book almost daily. And I haven't even seen the DVD yet....

I ordered mine and eagerly await it's arrival!

The DVD comes with the book, it is a set. The book has a lot of background information which is not touched on in the DVD. This information is helpful in getting the most benefit from the video. The 45 minute DVD shows all the steps in voicing a set of hammers from start to finish, as described in the book. A DVD can show a lot of things that are difficult to put into words and the audio is helpful so that one can hear the changes taking place.

Not only will the book/DVD be available in Grand Rapids at the Piano Forte Supply booth, the author Andre Oorebeek will be giving a full one day class on the whole book content. Having seen him in action twice, I can say that his one day seminar alone is well worth the cost of attending the convention. There will be time for mingling and book signing, of course.

Hi Folks,

I've sure enjoyed my copy and the DVD is great! Well done! A great guide!

Many Thanks,

Hey Jurgen,

I was reading this posting and wondered if there was any plans to translate the book into Cantonese or Mandarin.(Actually, I think both languages are written the same but spoken differently. Also with Mandarin there are some phrases that have no translation into Cantonese.)

With all of the piano manufacturing being re-located to mainland China, there will be a requirement for a good deal of technical instruction over there.Maybe this is something that you and Andre have discussed already.....

Hi all! This is most interesting. People reading this might be interested to comment on my problem with the Kawai RX6 Please take a look at my post and comments would be appreciated.
http://www.pianoworld.com/forum/ubbthrea...hord%20not.html

This release is available in your locale now. I think back on the first page Bruce Browning is the distributor for you there....

Deleted.

Do you have any actual hard evidence of these claims you are promoting? Because if you do not, you are inviting a lawsuit for damages with statements such as these. There are a LOT of un-proven claims recorded here.

We have not heard anything similar here (North America) to your claims. If you have a beef with a technician why not clear it up between yourselves? Why come in here and directly slander the guy without supplying any evidence at all?

I am sure you are aware that André is not a member here, so why post stuff like this when the other party has no chance at rebuttal?

"I am sure you are aware that André is not a member here, so why post stuff like this when the other party has no chance at rebuttal?"

Question asked; Question answered.

I complained to the mods about this. Hopefully, they'll be able to tend to this before it becomes part of a searchable Google (or other) archive .

It would be outrageous if this post became permanently attached to his name when someone does a search.

Btw, we tuners stick our necks out around here so we're held accountable...
We sign our posts with our names.

Any one of us could fall victim to this sort of nonsense. Once the mud is thrown, it's almost impossible to get it completely cleaned off.

My post is simply intended to be fair warning and would not be considered new or news within the Netherlands piano community whatsoever. That is the great thing about a global forum -- there are no rocks left to hide under.

Are we going to let people use the forum to advertize for free people's goods and services but then censor and delete all balanced information just like in the past case of Piano Superstore where legitimate complaints were suppressed and where so many of those depending on Pianoworld input were defrauded of tens of thousands of dollars?

My recommendation? Do business with whomever you want, but when there are doubts, make sure you don't pay before you have the goods in house. Consider my post a concerned public service.

Absolutely correct Joe; once again this is some imaginary identity that does not have the actual courage to post under his or her own name. So the idea is to promote this kind of trash from the bushes where no-one can see them……

I am of the opinion that this person leads a vociferous lifestyle and does not envision a problem with imposing their view of the world on others.

You are right Joe and I know this kind of thing has happened previously, to other technicians.

I just did a quick search at Google on "André Oorebeek reputation". The first listing is theJourney's post. It hasn't been cached yet.

I suggest you read your own postings whoever you think you are. Your posting is plain and simple garden variety slander and defamation.

A LOT OF ACCUSATIONS WITH NO EVIDENCE TO BACK UP YOUR CLAIMS.

So produce some evidence in a big hurry……

Your posting was meant to be a slander and defamation for someone who is unable to answer. How brave of you there….

What other members use this forum for is not your damn business. It is up to the owner what use is decided.

Why would any of us give a tinker’s damn about your recommendation? Do you actually think you carry some weight around this place? Man you are really up on yourself huh??

Your postings are a public disservice, once again you have it wrong.

Just a thought,,,

It might be best for Andre O. to speak to a lawyer BEFORE replying in any way on this forum or having any contact with the poster, so as not to jeopardize any case he may have.

The thing about the net is that it is global, falling under various jurisdictions. Laws will vary in different venues.

Some people are hot heads, others constantly make vague threats about lawsuit and yet others you simply can't take at their word...
I am a man of my word. Are you?



That was in 2008. But here you are still.

You are worried about reputations, yet your aggressive, emotional and anti-consumer posting history which has been preserved for prosperity would seem to be an ideal place for Vancouver area clients to research reasons why not to do business with you. I would worry more about your own posts than a comment from the local Dutch market about a well known, but in later years problematic, Dutch service providor.

I see. So now Dan Silverwood is anti-consumer?

Have you checked this very recent post of his?

http://www.pianoworld.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/1246747/Squeaky%20Damper!.html#Post1246747

I've seen Dan take the side of the CLIENTS on this forum (They're not CONSUMERS... They're not locusts) many times over other tuners and vendors.

Go ahead... Make me the bad guy next.

Peace, daniokeeper. I don't know you, but I recognize the emotions.

If you and Silverwood Pianos have more intimate, relevant experience with figures in the Dutch piano market, please feel free to share your knowledge with the forum. Claiming that what I say is false without any knowledge is just plain irresponsible.

I have not criticized the DVD that Silverwood Pianos is promoting, nor have I criticized the capabilities of Mr. Oorebeek. On the contrary. In fact, I am relieved to see he seems to now have found a way to again generate income. The Netherlands is a tiny country and reputations are fragile; when things go wrong it can be very hard to right them again. I am glad he might have found a way to move on.

All: I have deleted the original post that several members have reported and edited those posts which quoted it. I would caution everyone who posts here that personally attacking someone else, regardless of whether they are forum members or not, will not be tolerated. You may feel it is "justified" and that you are doing a public service - you are not. You are defaming someone else who may or may not have the means to defend themselves. If you have evidence that someone is defrauding clients by all means report it to the local authorities, broadcasting it here is not acceptable.

Thank you Greg, from all of us here.

RPD

I'm sorry, Greg. I found this upsetting and I forgot my manners.

Thank you!
-Joe