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 Instrument

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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

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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!

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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 page

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 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" )

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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 Museum

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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 Collection

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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 video

If you don't already, be sure to follow ProPTN on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠... or visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more!