Precision Touch Design, also known as PTD, embraces the central importance of weight, leverage, and friction components to the consistent production of fine pianos.  This new knowledge, made possible by David C. Stanwood's creation of The New Touch Weight Metrology,  has opened up a whole new discipline in the field of Piano Technology - Component Touch Weight Balancing.

In 5 days, attendees will cover all aspects of component touch weight balancing.   Graduates who qualify may enjoy the benefits of  becoming a Licensed PTD installer or they are free to practice component touch weight balancing on their own without the benefits of being a PTD Installer.

Note: Calculating smooth Keyleading specifications with the equation of balance is patented in the United States (US pat #5585582) and available in the US for use only by licensed PTD installers.  Alternative public domain key balancing methods will be taught for the benefit of those who will not become licensed PTD installers.

Applying for the Course:

The applicant must be in good standing in the piano technician trade and provide three written references from  pianist clients or fellow technicians.

The applicant must have thorough knowledge of tuning, regulation, and voicing and provide a detailed  description of their History and experience in the trade.

Inquires in Europe should be sent to Frans Pietjouw frans@pianobedrijf.nl
All other inquires should be sent to David C. Stanwood stanwood@tiac.net

COURSE DESCRIPTION 2009

PTD Installers Course is given in November, March, and June.

The course is given with four Students and two instructors

Instructors are David C. Stanwood (US) and Frans Pietjouw (Holland)

Courses are given either at Stanwood Piano Innovations on the Island of Martha's Vineyard Massachusetts in the US, or at the Shop of Frans Pietjouw Piano Atelier on the Island of Goeree Overflakkee in the Netherlands.

Attendees bring their own action which they improve with Precision Touch Design

Metrologic Analysis:

Theory and derivation of the Equation of Balance and overview of  "The New Touch Weight Metrology"

Historic overview of piano evolution in terms of hammer weight, ratio, and key balancing including an overview of  "what's out there these days" in terms of the New Touch Weight Metrology"

History of the development of Precision TouchDesign (PTD)

The effect of Regulation on the analysis

Preparation of the action for measuring up weight and down weight with Dry Lubrication, Key Easing, Action Centre treatment

Measuring up weight and down weight

Calculating Balance weight and Friction Weight using the Polar Rule (circular Slide Rule)

Isolating and measuring the key bushing Friction

Isolating and measuring capstan-heel friction

Understanding the measurement of rotational flange friction and it's effect on total friction

Isolating and evaluating knuckle-jack friction

Measuring hammer weight "on the shank" with Strike Weight measurement.

Predicting Strike Weight by measuring shank and hammer components

The effect of ambient humidity on hammer weight

Measuring the downward balance force of the keystick-keyleads using Front Weight.

Measuring key weight ratio  (how weight on the capstan translates to upward force at the front of the key)

Measuring the weight of the wippen on the capstan

Direct measurement of Strike Weight Ratio by finding Strike Balance Weight with the short cut method for calculating and evaluating ratio

Measuring Damper friction and weight components.

Machine measuring of strike weight and hammer flange friction without removing parts

When and how to fill out and send the standard data forms to the PTDesigner

Geometry Analysis:

Measurement techniques for checking elevation of action centres

How to check for acceptable configuration of interacting arcs and spread distances.

The relationship of shank length to ratio

Hammer bore issues

Damper action geometry

Choosing the best PTD Type to match your clients needs:

Type I

     Hammer Weight and Front Weight smoothing

Type II

     Hammer Weight and Front Weight smoothing with capstan line change

High Performance add-ons:

     Adjustable Wippen Assist Springs (used in conjunction with key leading)

     Narrow keyboards for small hands through DS Standard

     PTD treatment of the Damper action

PTD for upright pianos

Testing for the best "tone weight" of the hammer to help select best PTD

How to interview clients in order to make various determinations to help choose the best configuration of the PTD

PTD issues with special needs clients, repetitive stress, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, weakness, etc.

Methods for selling and promoting PTD - such as having clients play on pianos with PTD

Promoting through advertising -  Best methods for advertising

How not to sell PTD!

Database management of your PTDs

Advertising and trademark issues

Issues of installing PTD on new pianos under warranty

The PTD warranty

Preparing the Action for PTD installation:

PTD issues when selecting new parts

How to determine the new balance point of the keys in order to correct key ratio when having new keyboards made.

Safe and efficient methods for punching out all the old Key leads

Method for removing key leads in blind holes

Methods and equipment for containment of toxic lead residues

Filling the old key lead holes with a special epoxy putty dyed to match the key-stick wood (the best look  and most efficient method for new pianos especially).  Also discussion of using wood plugs

Speed techniques for removing capstans

Techniques for filling capstan holes in soft wood keys and keys with hardwood capstan shoes.

How to cut off wippen heels if needed

Installing the PTD:

How to Read a PTD specification sheet

How to add weight to Hammers to make a Strike Weight specification using hammer leads

How to add weight temporarily to hammers using clip weights

How to remove weight from hammers to make a PTD specification

Sorting shanks by weight when installing new shanks

Finding the new capstan line in order to make a ratio specification (with existing heels or with heels moved)

How to choose and install new heels

Mocking up to check Dip/Blow relationship to evaluate the choice of ratio specification

Modifying action geometry to produce a more efficient dip-blow relationship

Speed method for drilling and driving capstans

A special method for modifying balance rail punchings in order to effect ratio and make the action lighter or heavier

Determining when and how to move the knuckles

Installing key leads to make a Front Weight specification using the Tower Pattern

How to design your own tower patterns

"Inertial moment" Issues regarding the tower pattern radius (key leads oriented towards the front of the key, around middle of the key, or closer to the balance rail)

How to drill the key lead holes and install the key leads to the PTD specification

Overview of tolerances for making PTD specifications

Adjusting Damper Weights to a PTD specification

How to make a key have any Down Wt / UpWt of our choosing

Adjusting Touch Weight with adjustable support springs for long term stability using the BW system

How to make your own gram weights in incremental steps weights from 15 - 104 grams (Materials available only in the US)

PTD products available through outside suppliers

       Touch Designer Toolkit - Pianotek Supply

        Master Touch Gram Weight Set - Dawn Herring Piano Service

Issues for the client "down the road"  including the PTD certificate and replacement hammer weight
specifications

Terms:

The attendee will pay a training fee of _$2.500,00

The attendee will pay their own expenses including travel,  room, and board.

The attendee will bring or ship ahead to the training location, a suitable action in which they will install a PTD.

The attendee will pay 1/2 of the training fee one week in advance of the course and the remainder upon completion.

If attendees want to include High performance options such as a whippen spring conversion on their training actions they agree to pay normal fees for the installation of such options.  For adjustable wippen springs the cost is $600 in the US.  (Tokiwas makes adjustable wippen support spring parts)  For cost of wippen springs in Europe see www.pianoman.nl

Upon starting the course attendees will sign an agreement regarding appropriate use of the knowledge they will receive during the 6-days.   This agreement restricts the use of Stanwood name, logos, or trademarks, as well as the copying of written material or the rewriting and distribution of printed material that is given during the course.

Upon the completing the course, graduates who qualify, may become licensed PTD installers under the following terms.

PTD Installers participate in knowledge and experience sharing through a private e-mail list.

PTD methods are constantly upgraded as new information comes in

PTD Installer may use PTD logos and trademarks in there advertising and promotion

PTD installers agree to have their component touch designs created only by consulting with an approved PTDesigner who will provide the installer with analysis graphs, PTD specifications, and a PTD Certificate  which gives replacement hammer weight specifications and instructions for maintaining the PTD

A one time consultation fee of _$300.00 is charged for the creation each  PTD.

PTD Installers agree to use approved  wippen spring conversion service.

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February 13, 2009
David C. Stanwood