Convention 2017

Annual CAPT / ACAP National Convention (Review/Completed)

June 8 (Thursday Evening), 9 (Friday), 10 (Saturday) in Toronto, Ontario.  Topics to be covered include classes on Efficiency in our Business … modules geared toward the current realities of the piano service business and using available technologies. Each day includes a variety of technical subjects and presentations with a focus on an advanced system of tuning demonstrated by keynote presenter Alfredo Capurso.

June 8 – (evening) kick-off … hosted at Robert Lowrey Piano Experts,  943 Eglinton Avenue East, Toronto

June 9 – hosted at the Presentation Center of Yamaha Canada Music Ltd, 135 Milner Ave.,Toronto ON

June 10 – hosted at J.D.Grandt Piano Supply Co. 181 King Road, Richmond Hill, ON

Costs: Registration for the week-end is $340.00 (Canadian $); with additional discounts for members.

Accommodations: A limited number of hotel rooms are reserved at …

Travelodge Toronto East, 20 Milner Business Court, Scarborough, Ontario, Canada M1B 3C6, PHONE: (416) 299-9500 FAX: (416) 299-6172; Convention Rate $99 per night / single queen-size bed, includes breakfast, wifi and parking. Quote Group name “CAPT / ACAP” when requesting a reservation. Cut-off date for this rate … May 30.

June 8 and 9:  Keynote presenter Alfredo Capurso will share his Circular Harmonic System (C.Ha.S.) of aural temperament and tuning interspersed. Additional topics round out the days and evenings on practical subjects including business building essentials and going further with the best in tools.  

Additional classes on June 9 include:

Using Technology for Efficiency in your Piano Service Business; (Presenters Mark Veenman, Daniel Mykiwka with an update of industry and educational trends by Jim Welter of Yamaha). 

Tool Innovation (led by Paul Gilchrist).

Efficient Centre Pinning (Paul Hansen).

June 10 … a full  day of “All Things Strings” hosted by John Schienke of the J.D. Grandt Piano Supply Co.

The feature topic shared by John Schienke will be the relatively new concept of ‘hybrid scaling’. Hybrid string scaling is becoming more and more popular today among piano rebuilders and for very good reason. Learn what it is, the new wire material that has become available (Paulello wire), and most importantly the impact it has when used in restringing / restoration work. Additional information will be covered such as the basic task of achieving accurate bass string replacements….the first time, every time.

We’ll also take a closer look at such things as: traditional factory string scaling for mass production, (the good, the bad, and the ugly), followed by general scale design principles with a look into the world of piano re-scaling; core-to-wrap ratios, and winding distances from the bridge and agraffes, These have a tremendous effect on the tonal character of a piano and a direct relationship to tuning clarity, loudness and sustain.

The day will include live demonstrations for achieving perfect and practical string installation and replacement results presented by Paul Gilchrist. It will include “hands-on” opportunities to advance your technique to the next level. Other related topics will include techniques for servicing strings for maintenance, repairs and as part of advanced service such as “voicing.”

A practical class on Managing the Priorities of Concert Service in Various Venues and Applications presented by Robert Bjerke will complete the class activities.  

The day will round out with a backyard bbq!

Other Demonstrations: The Latest in Technology and Pianos; Tour at Robert Lowrey Keyboards; and the bass string manufacturing facility of J.D.Grandt.