You are here:
Piano, Organ, and Keyboard/Expert Profile
Expertise
I am the staff piano technician at the City College of New York, CUNY and I am an authorized technician for Steinway and Sons. I am also self-employed in New York. I apprenticed (Manhattan School of Music)in 1982 and was factory (Steinway) trained in 1983. I have experience tuning, repairing, reconditioning, and appraisals. Please note that appraising an instrument involves a visual inspection and knowledge of the local market area. I am not an expert in player mechanisms, refinishing, electronic keyboards, midi, nor organs. I love the work of making an instrument sound concert quality.
Experience in the area
I successfully apprenticed at the Manhattan School of Music under Alan Buchman in 1982 (also received B.A. in music from same school) and employed by Steinway and Sons in 1983 as a tuner-technician. I also served as service manager for Steinway. Presently, I am the staff technician at City College of New York, CUNY and I handle warranty issues and tunings for Steinway and Suzuki Pianos.
Organizations
The Piano Technicians Guild, New York Chapter
Education/Credentials
Manhattan School of Music, BA; American Management Association certificate (Steinway and Sons); Queens College, CUNY, MA
What do you like about this subject?
Pianos are amazing instruments; thousands of men and women have contributed to today's modern piano. It's probably the only high-tech machine that doesn't need electricity! Just imagine music without the piano. Unthinkable!
What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?
After 29 years, there is still so much to learn. Improving tonal and damper regulation and learning bellywork are among some of my interests.
Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:
Pianos have about 12,000 parts. A car has about 14,000.
Something controversial or provocative about this subject
It's nice for a technician to play piano well (which I do), but you don't have to. A shoemaker makes a helluva ballet slipper but you wouldn't want to see him dance.
Average Ratings
Recent Reviews from Users
K = Knowledgeability C = Clarity of Response P = Politeness| User | Date | K | C | P | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark | 02/03/12 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thank you Samuel for your quick, professional ..... |
| Jyme | 01/29/12 | 10 | 10 | 10 | |
| dan | 01/20/12 | 10 | 10 | 10 | thank you for the response. this is ..... |
| Jim | 01/14/12 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thanks very much for the information. I ..... |
| Trish | 01/07/12 | 8 | 10 | 10 | This response was helpful and informative. We ..... |
Recent Answers from Samuel Noel
2012-02-11 Sohmer:
Hi Mark, The problem with older vintage uprights is that it can be difficult to find parts that are an exact match. Overall, when I'm servicing a piano that needs replacement parts, I try to match parts
2012-01-25 Janssen Console Age & Value:
Hi Jyme, Your Janssen console was manufactured in 1950. As for its value, a visual inspection is necessary to ascertain the actual condition of the following: 1. belly (soundboard, ribs, pinblock
2012-01-24 Estimated age and value:
Hi Rachael, Your Krell upright was manufactured in 1908. As for its value, it would have to be visually inspected and assessed: 1. belly (soundboard, ribs, pinblock, bridges) 2. strings 3. keyboard
2012-01-18 keller piano - 1910:
Hi Dan, Obviously a piano cannot be evaluated sight-unseen, however, most dealers would assign a $0 value to an instrument of this vintage. The quoted price of $1200 to move and refinish a piano sounds
2012-01-13 Starck Upright Cabinet Piano Worth:
Hi Shaynna, Your Starck upright piano was manufactured in 1912. As for its value, have a technician visually evaluate its actual condition; there are about 12,000 parts in a piano. Dealers in my area
Answers by Expert:
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.