Hello friends!
I have been regularly been reading the posts on this site for nearly a year now and decided to become a part of the discussions.
I have been mentoring with another tuner who has been in the business for over 30 years. He came to tune my piano one day, and I asked him if he ever wanted an apprentice to let me know, He quickly said, "Ryan, I would love to teach you, I want to be able to retire one day!" (we are located in southeast MO, and most of the tuners in this area have either quit or retired in the past few years. That was over a year ago, I have since tuned over 100 pianos.
About 5 years ago, I acquired a Howard Grand made in 1907.It was located at an old Methodist Church camp. A lady purchased the camp, and hired my father as her electrician. She told him that she had an old piano that she was just going to throw away and wondered if he knew anyone who wanted it. My dad said a quick "Yes, I know someone!" She gave it to us for free, that's been about five years ago. The bench was in pieces, the finished all cracked, mice had built a nest inside of it, and local teenagers had busted beer bottles under the lid. I took it all apart, blew out all kinds of junk with my air compressor, and began the slow restoration work. I know this was never a "top of the line" piano, however it was a great learning experience and is probably what led me into tuning and repair.
A special thanks to "Dr. Woodwind" on Youtube. Your videos have been a TREMENDOUS help in getting the old piano back into regulation as well as the Athur Reblitz book. It now sounds GREAT, the only thing left to do is level the keys. I have been experimenting recently with Bill Bremmer's EBVT III. What a nice sound it gives my piano.
I really admire those of you who can tune aurally, however I personally use Tunelab. I LOVE that program, and 100% of my customers have been pleased. As I said I have tuned well over 100 pianos now.
I am only tuning in a part-time basis, I am also the 6th-12th grade choir teacher at a local public school, as well as the organist/music director at the local Methodist Church. I have a B.S. Degree in Music as well as my Master's Degree in Music. I'm not saying that to brag, however from some of the posts on this forum, I know you guys, like to know people's background.
Anyway, just wanted to introduce myself, and look forward to discussions with you all. I have learned SO much already from this forum.
Sincerely,
Ryan Hassell
