Piano, Organ, and Keyboard/Expert Profile


Ask A Question

Expertise

I am a Registered/tested member of the Piano Technicians Guild (RPT) with 47 years of experience in all phases and levels of the acoustic piano. I will answer any questions regarding acoustic pianos only. All questions and answers are to remain public. Please to not include sensitive material! If they are marked private, I will change them to public. My answers may be of assistance to others. If privacy is an issue, please contact me through my web site: http://www.onestipiano.com Electronic keyboards, organs, and player/reproducing piano mechanisms are outside of my expertise. Anything to do with: Construction, Service, Tuning, Climate Control Systems, Piano Disc, Purchasing, Selling, Insurance Appraisal, Rebuilding, Repairs, Legal issues, Maintenance, Environmental issues, Finish issues with acoustic pianos. My full resume can be found at: http://www.onestipiano.com

Experience in the area

In business since 1964, Extensive Rebuilding/Repair/Service facility. A certified, tested, member of the Piano Technicians Guild, Member of the Technical Advisory Service to Attorneys. Have performed piano service on Concert Stage, Recording Studios, and in the home. Http://www.onestipiano.com. The shop's work comes from all over the world from private clients or other techncians.

Organizations

The Piano Technicians Guild, Master Piano Technicians of America, Technical Advisory Service to Attorneys. (TASA), IAPBT.

Publications

The Piano Technicians Journal

Education/Credentials

Attented Temple University, Drexel University, Philadelphia Community college all in the areas of engineering and Music. I taught a two semester course in Piano Technology and the related acoustical physics at Temple University. I have taught extensively for the Piano Technicians Guild and the Master Piano Technicians of America.

Awards and Honors

Service Award for the Rose Tree Media School District in Pennsylvania

Past/Present Clients

The list is rather extensive. I would suggest you go http://www.onestipiano.com where there is a comprehensive list of clients past and present.

What do you like about this subject?

Mostly, after 47 years...I just like helping the consumer.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

I would love for technicians in the field of piano technology,to be licensed in the state in which they intend to do business. I would like to see all technicians taking money for work perfomed, to be tested. This protects the consumer. I would also like to see a Piano Rebuilders' Contest just like juried contests for artists and performers and furniture makers.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

The Piano Technicians Guild is an international organization that offers the opportunity for an individual to become qualified. Of the two classes of working technicians, only the Registered technician is tested and qualified. The Associate member can be a hobbyist, student, apprentice, piano mover, piano refinisher, etc.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

Not all piano technicians are qualified...unfortunately. However, registered technicians from the Piano Technicians Guild must agree to a code of ethics, and this is monitored by the guild. Getting tested is a good thing. After all...how can we qualify our skills without testing. Plumbers, Doctors, Lawyers, Accountants and such all get tested. Why not piano techncians? What do they have to hide?

Average Ratings

Recent Reviews from Users

Read More Comments

    K = Knowledgeability    C = Clarity of Response    P = Politeness
UserDateKCPComments
Beth02/13/12101010Thank you for your quick and expert .....
Eugene02/10/12101010I feel this expert has character. He .....
William02/08/12101010 
nina02/03/12101010You are a champion, Ralph. You have .....
Tom Gilliland02/02/121010I have been all over the net .....

Recent Answers from Ralph Onesti

2012-02-11 1966 or 67 Hobart M. Cable Piano:

Hi Beth:    This piano was made in 1966 by Story and Clark.    It would be helpful to know the configuration: spinet, console, studio upright, Grand.    Also, a few pictures...in and out...would help also

2012-02-10 1936 Harmon Piano:

Hi Manny:    If it's a vertical piano, open the top lid...after you remove all the pictures...and look inside on the steel plate.    It might be  helpful to pull the front board off also. It's only a matter

2012-02-07 Geo. P. Bent piano:

Hi William:    Concord of Chicago, ILL. was manufactured by George P. Bent and for those numbers we are referred to the Crown company...detective work...    You number shows the piano made in 1918.   

2012-02-06 Howard Cincinnati-chicago upright:

Hi Joseph:    Howard was established in Cincinnati in 1895. This company was part of D.H.Baldwin, and then finally...just plain old Baldwin.    It is not uncommon to find two serial numbers. In changing

2012-02-03 Oetzmann and Plumb's Upright:

Hi Angela:    It looks like Brazilian Rosewood or something in the species with regard to the furniture.    And, the "piano" part is really gone and what you have here is a piece of furniture.    These

 

Ask A Question

Piano, Organ, and Keyboard

All Answers


Answers by Expert:


Ask Experts

Volunteer


©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.