After some discussion with Our Chapter members and Nick Gravagne, we are inviting all Piano Technicians to join us.

Saturday, Oct 3rd, all day, catered lunch provided.
Location - - Shop of Larry and Paul here in Lowell
.............---171 Lincoln St. Lowell MA 01852

There is a fee of $45.00 for everyone attending including Chapter members. FWIW, this is not a for profit event, the chapter will be picking up the additional expenses. This is to bring talent such as Nick to Boston.

RSVP to me via PM or email

A tid bit of some of what Nick will be talking about;

1) SOUNDBOARD IMPEDANCE - Theory and Practice

A fascinating study of soundboard impedance and its effect on piano
tone, complete with props and audio files of impedance mixing and
matching. This class is for everyone, not just piano rebuilders. These
audio files are accompanied with easy-to-grasp charts and graphs and all
will be viewed and played in class through a colorful Power Point
Presentation. How does downbearing (or lack of) impact the overall tonal
package? How does soundboard impedance impact the voicing technician?
These are very engrossing themes and colorfully presented. Nick has
given this class three times so far, and always to an involved and
appreciative audience.

2) WHERE'S THE BEATS? A COMPELLING LESSON ON WHAT PIANO TUNERS ARE
ACTUALLY HEARING
An equally fascinating study is Nick's newest regarding piano string
fundamentals and overtones. Piano tuners will be particularly interested
as we answer the questions, "Where do the beats come from?" and "How
does beat phenomena relate to 'whole tone listening' as promoted by
Virgil Smith and many others?"

In this class Nick will build (utilizing a computer tone generator) a
complex audio tone, say A220, through the addition of one simple tone at
a time up to 7 partials. This is done again with, say, a third above. To
be sure, the class will be captivated as to where and when the beats
kick in, and where in the spectrum beats can actually be "heard". Get
ready for some surprises! At the end of the day attendees will leave
with a firmer grasp of the phenomena we call musical sound. In addition,
new terms will be introduced --- terms such as "difference tones" and
"combination tones" and their influence on what we hear and when we hear
it. Piano tuners - you don't want to miss this fascinating presentation
filled with sounds, color and animations.

Much more to come!

Larry

Just an addendum I forgot to mention, we are willing to have a few Non-technicians in come. Seating IS limited so please RSVP me ASAP via IM or email....

Wish I could be there.
Nick is always entertaining and informative.

Have fun.

Tonight I am hosting our annual PTG BBQ at my home to kick off the season.

Larry,

Thanks for what you are doing...and for inviting all of us...if I lived near your chapter I'd be honored to attend...it sounds like a great event!

RPD

Thanks RPD, we would enjoy having you.

I recommend that folks visit Nick's web site;
http://www.gravagne.com/

On another note, one of our chapter members is also a trained chef.
He has promised a nice lunch ...

I wish I lived closer to you also Larry, nice to read about the all are welcome attitude with your chapter.
How was that chef inspired luncheon?

Hi Dan,
Thanks.


Hopefully our profession moves forward in the best way when all are welcome.

Evan, our Tech / Chef definitely does a great job on all accounts!!!

Ron,

I have enjoyed your photo's ... Should there be a technical on some of the "crazy" pianos we find? The "Do's and Dont's" of piano repairs with "Props"

It does! Along those lines, Jane and I were able to attend Sat. at this year's PTG event in Grand Rapids, and I can honestly say that the doors were literally THROWN open by everybody...lots of great connections, respectful and affectionate hello's...we had assumed it would be fun, but the sense of warmth and being welcomed was very nice...and not just from those we knew from the Forums...but everybody...very cool, indeed.

It left a great taste with both Jane and me (and Joe, our other partner who attended) and although I've commented before in other threads, its worth sending props again to all involved!

RPD

A technical like that is a lot of fun.
I did a class with power point in 2008 at the Anaheim convention, included were many examples of just that.

It is best to be taught out of town in case someone recognizes their own work.

I am pleased to say that we have some very interesting people from all over New England coming to spend a day with Nick Gravagne ....

If you are thinking about coming, you will find a lot here.

PM me and I can send you a .pdf flier

Bump

Gentle Hoist to the Top ...

The list of "Who's Who" is growing ....

Larry