Piano Servicing, Tuning, Rebuilding by Reblitz: Book Review
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase.
Arthur Reblitz Piano Book
This piano servicing book by Arthur Reblitz is best for early piano technicians, curious piano owners, and hands-on hobbyists. It teaches many of the kinds of issues one needs to learn about in order to pass all 3 exams to become a Register Piano Technician (Written, Tuning, and Repair exam).
Among my mentors (professional piano technicians) who later became my friends, we still refer to it as "The Reblitz Book."
The Reblitz Piano book was published whence there scantly was literature about the piano trade and so became the gold-standard manual.
Piano Servicing, Tuning, and Rebuilding
Now, when I embarked on my piano tuning education, this was my very first book of piano technology. I enjoyed spending my time away from working on pianos by turning through each page of this book with a hot cup of tea.
At the time, It wasn't the latest edition I owned, but the second edition (the third Reblitz edition is now available as a twenty-first-century guide). This was when I was working my way to become a Registered Piano Technician more than 10 years ago!
It truly is an easy read for any lay person who's interested in learning more about the trade of piano technology.
Plenty of technicians are familiar with this book, which is part in why it can be a great way to get started with your piano technician education. A hallmark of discussion among piano technicians, this book will help you fit right in with those with years of experience.
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Praise for the Reblitz Book
John H. Steinway wrote in support of the original 1970s edition and recommended this book through publishing a letter in 1976. The publication in the Vestal Press was where he shared his words of encouragement.
At this time there scarcely weren't manuals for professionals nor amateur tuners to learn about the trade.
This stand-alone manual stood out during an era of educational scarcity. It thankfully was published by Arthur A. Reblitz and soon was deemed as a highly respected technical manual spanning many, many decades.
Overview of the Arthur A. Reblitz Piano Tuning book
This must-have book is written in simple format. It provides pictures, diagrams, definitions, how-to, and broad explanations for many facets in the field of piano technology.
While this book is "dated," it's a terrific resource for beginners, much like it was for me when I began my journey.
It thoroughly discusses common action problems, has in-depth explanations, and provides a foundation of knowledge in an accessible manner.
The Reblitz book: Chapters 1-8
Introduction to the Piano: Styles, Shapes, and Sizes Over the Years
Inside Information: The Names of the Parts and How They Work
Evaluating an Old Piano: Is It Worth Buying or Repairing?
Cleaning and Minor Repairs: Fixing Worn and Broken Parts
Regulating: Adjusting the Action, Keyboard, and Pedals to Work As They Should
Tuning Theory and Terminology
Tuning Procedure
Complete Restoration: Rebuilding a Piano in the Shop to Perform and Look Like New
This is really all of the information you need to know to get started in the piano world.
On the other hand, these instruments are becoming multifaceted nowadays. Electronic keyboards and player piano servicing is better learned elsewhere.
Piano Servicing Tuning & Rebuilding: Pictures/Diagrams
Images
There are over 400 images which includes upright piano diagrams, grand piano mechanisms, different types of actions, and all details of belly work. All of the pictures are in black and white, though they demonstrate clear methods, repairs, and best practices throughout.
Illustrations
The illustrations are simple and represent about 10% of the total images throughout this textbook. The pictures intend to show the many parts of pianos.
Pages
There are just over 300+ pages covering all contents described by author Arthur A. Reblitz.
Piano Technology textbooks in the twentieth century
Today, more extensive piano tuning books like Pianos Inside Out by Mario Igrec, The Craft of Piano Tuning, and Under The Lid far exceed depth and span of information within their quality of explanations.
The 3 books listed above are better suited for the advanced piano technician and are each suited as a reference book.
Read more ==> Top 3 Piano Tuning for New Piano Technicians and Tuners
For its specific era, Arthur A. Reblitz’s Piano Servicing Tuning, and Rebuilding provided a great benefit to the piano trade for early professionals and advanced amateur piano tuners alike. Though, it simply does not compete with some of the most refined educational piano literature available today.
A Look Inside The Reblitz book
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Index full of over 1,500 terms in the Reblitz book
One of the very best methods of gaining familiarity within the piano industry is by understanding the basic terminology of the trade.
This book embodies the perfect place to start by offering a solid foundation that is easy to access in terms of understanding and comprehension.
I highly recommend paging through this book to learn the basics of the piano tuning trade and become familiarized with this one book that has touched many of the great minds within the world of piano technology.
Arthur Reblitz's book provides in-depth regulation steps, repairs, and also includes helpful images of tools and parts of the craft.
Knowing common vocabulary terms is one of the best ways to bridge the gap between a beginner technician and the piano experts.
It's especially helpful for those looking to pass their Registered Piano Technician exams. ;-)
-Kevin
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Piano Servicing Tuning and Rebuilding by Arthur A Reblitz
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase.