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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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lisa | 04/18/13 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Very helpful answer. Thanks so much. |
| Abbie Mordhorst | 04/15/13 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thank you! |
| B.A. Wheeler | 03/20/13 | 10 | 10 | 10 | (I previously responded, but, was unable to ..... |
| Felicia | 03/05/13 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Excellent response time. Thank your very much! |
| Mary Jo | 02/20/13 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Quick response, very helpful |
Recent Answers from Samuel Noel
2013-05-08 Cabel-Nelson Piano:
Hi Ryann, Your Cable-Nelson upright was manufactured in 1905. To appraise the value of an instrument requires a visual inspection of it so I can't really tell you the value of your piano. Most pianos
2013-04-20 Woodward Cabinet Grand SN 25777:
Hi Ellen, There were three brands with the name "Woodward" so I'm not sure what you have. Most likely, you have an instrument that is already past its useful life and not worth restoring unless it has
2013-04-19 How old is my piano?:
Hi Libby, You should look at the cast iron plate again for the serial number; it should have five or six digits. If your piano is a grand (109 is a grand scale design), it most likely will be on one
2013-04-15 Age of Conway Piano:
Hi Lisa, Your Conway was manufactured in 1920 based on the serial number provided. There are a number of ways to sell or dispose of a piano. The first step is to ascertain the actual condition of instrument
2013-04-11 Hobart M Cable:
Hi Abbie, The serial number provides information on the year of manufacture which is 1921. But without seeing the instrument it would be a shot in the dark. Generally speaking, pianos of this vintage
Answers by Expert:
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