The ProPTN Podcast

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 reasoni...

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 Ravenscro...

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 succe...

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 S...

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: Com...

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...

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 pag...

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&#...

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: -...

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 re...

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 w...

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 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ins...

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...

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...

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 ,...

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, an...

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: YouTube Paul Barton: YouTube If you don't already, be sure to follow ProPTN on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ ... or...

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...

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 hea r that Jahn will have a booth and seminar at PIPPA 2025 in January featuring Joachim the "Swiss Army Man!" Click here for info and regis...

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...

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 agaree@fsu.edu... 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...

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 Action Be sure to follow ⁠⁠ProPTN⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ to keep up with the latest in piano tech tools,...

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!